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COLONEL    TWELFTH    REGIMENT    R.     I.    VOLUNTEERS. 


Tj  YxodU^  /iMnaf 

"        HISTORY      v? 


OF 


The  Twelfth  Regiment 


Rhode   Island   Volunteers 


IN 


TH  E    CIVIL    WAR 


1862-1863 


PREPARED  BY  A  COMMITTEE  OF  THE    SURVIVORS, 
IN  1901-4 


,  5 

& 

TL-55 


SNOW  &  FARNHAM,  PRINTERS  AND  PUBLISHERS 
Providence,  R.  I. 


The  Committee  appointed  to  pro  pare  this  ttis  to  ry  con 
sisted  of  the  following  named  members  of  the  Regiment, 


PARDON  E.  TILLINGHAST, 
JAMES  SHAW, 
C.  HENRY   ALEXANDER, 
GEORGE   A.  SPINK, 
OSCAE   LAPHAM, 
MUNSON   H.  NAJAC, 
DANIEL   R.  BALLOU, 
LUTHER   COLE, 
ARNOLD   F.  SALISBURY, 
EDWIN   H.  TILLEY, 
THEODORE   A.  MANCHESTER, 
JOSEPH   W.  GRANT, 
WALTER   A.  SCOTT, 
FRANCISCO   M.   BALLOU. 

The  Committee  organized  by  the  election  of  Pardon  E . 
Tillinghast,  Chairman,  and  Munson  H.  Najac,  Secretary. 


M203692 


H.Y.  Slats 


COMPILER'S   PREFACE 


ALTHOUGH  forty  years  have  elapsed  since  the  TWELFTH 
REGIMENT  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS  was  mustered  out 
of  the  military  service  of  the  United  States,  no  permanent 
history  of  the  part  which  it  took  in  the  Civil  War  has  yet 
been  written.  Many,  if  not  most,  of  the  other  regiments 
and  military  organizations  which  went  forth  from  this 
State  have  put  into  enduring  form  a  record  of  their  deeds 
and  experiences  while  in  the  service  of  their  country.  And 
a  goodly  number  of  the  survivors  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment 
now  feel  that  they  owe  it  to  the  memory  of  the  many  who 
have  departed  this  life,  as  well  as  to  the  honor  of  the  few 
who  still  remain,  to  do  likewise. 

Animated  by  this  feeling,  a  committee  was  appointed,  at 
the  annual  reunion  of  the  surviving  members  of  the  regi 
ment  held  in  August,  1901,  to  prepare  and  publish  a  his 
tory  of  the  regiment,  and  that  committee  hereinafter  pre 
sents  the  result  of  its  labors. 

It  is  true  that  the  brief  term  of  service  of  the  Twelfth, 
by  comparison  with  the  longer  terms  of  several  Rhode 
Island  regiments,  may  seem  small,  yet  the  service  it  ren 
dered  during  its  ten  months  in  the  field  was  high  up  in  the 
scale  of  active  duty  and  efficiency  with  that  of  the  veteran 


VI  PREFACE 

regiments  to  which  it  was  attached.  That  it  performed  its 
service  with  the  same  degree  of  patience,  courage,  self- 
sacrifice,  and  patriotism  which  signally  characterized  that 
of  the  other  Rhode  Island  regiments,  will  not  be  questioned 
by  the  impartial  critic. 

The  Twelfth  was  a  nine-months  regiment,  but  it  re 
mained  in  the  service  for  fully  ten  months. 

The  Hon.  William  Sprague  was  governor  of  our  State 
when  the  regiment  was  formed,  and  by  his  superior  execu 
tive  ability  and  ardent  patriotism  he  caused  to  be  brought 
together  and  duly  officered  and  equipped  a  thousand  or 
more  men,  who,  like  the  other  military  organizations  from 
this  State,  which  he  had  been  so  instrumental  in  placing 
on  a  war  footing,  rendered  valiant  service  in  upholding  and 
defending  the  honor  and  integrity  of  the  nation. 

He  appointed  Hon.  George  H.  Browne,  of  Glocester,  who 
at  the  time  was  a  member  of  Congress  from  this  State,  to 
the  office  of  colonel  of  the  regiment ;  and  a  more  upright, 
conscientious,  broad-minded  and  patriotic  leader  it  would 
have  been  very  difficult  to  find.  It  is  true  he  was  not 
versed  in  military  science,  but  he  was  possessed  of  those 
qualities  of  mind  and  heart  which  made  him  a  most  popu 
lar  and  acceptable  commander.  And,  with  the  efficient  aid 
of  Lieut.-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.,  who  was  an  officer  of  very 
superior  skill  and  knowledge  in  military  tactics  and  affairs, 
the  regiment  had  all  of  the  advantages  necessary  to  a  suc 
cessful  career. 

The  praise  which  was  bestowed  upon  the  regiment  in  the 
formal  and  official  orders  which  appear  in  the  following 
history,  from  commanders  occupying  high  positions,  show 


PEE  FACE  Vll 

the  character  and  standing  attributed  to  it  by  those  who 
were  best  competent  to  judge. 

Although  the  services  which  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  regi 
ment  to  perform  were  especially  trying  and  exacting  to 
new  beginners,  yet  they  cheerfully  and  manfully  accepted 
the  situation  and,  by  strict  obedience  to  orders  and  the 
faithful  discharge  of  whatever  duty  was  imposed  upon 
them,  showed  that  they  were  of  the  stuff  of  which  good 
soldiers  are  made.  This  fact  is  well  illustrated  in  many  of 
the  trying  vicissitudes  related  in  the  following  history,  but 
perhaps  in  no  one  of  them  more  signally  than  in  the 
famous  march  of  the  regiment  from  Nicholasville  to  James 
town,  Kentucky,  a  distance  of  fully  one  hundred  miles, 
which  it  made  in  six  days  under  a  broiling  sun  and  over 
dusty  roads.  And  when  the  arms  were  stacked  and  the 
roll  was  called,  at  the  end  of  that  never-to-be-forgotten 
journey,  every  man  was  found  to  be  at  his  post. 

Probably  few  regiments  covered  more  miles  on  foot, 
during  the  same  length  of  time,  than  did  the  Twelfth. 
Notably,  during  the  spring  and  summer  of  1863,  although 
footsore  and  sweltering  under  a  tropical  sun,  the  regiment, 
scarcely  without  rest,  was  chasing  the  ubiquitous  guerilla 
Morgan  up  and  down  the  State  of  Kentucky  to  head  off 
his  threatened  raids  across  the  Ohio.  Indeed,  so  constantly 
was  it  on  the  march,  from  one  point  to  another,  that  it 
came  to  be  familiarly  known  as  "  The  Trotting  Twelfth." 

The  history  which  the  committee  has  prepared  is  a  com 
posite  one.  Each  contributor  has  in  his  own  way  related 
the  experiences,  and  characterized  the  services  rendered  by 
the  regiment  from  his  own  standpoint,  and  has  added 


Viii  PREFACE 

thereto  such  personal  incidents  and  reminiscences  as 
seemed  to  him  pertinent  and  proper  in  connection  there 
with.  That  there  will  be  more  or  less  repetition  in  a  his 
tory  thus  made  up  is  evident.  But  while  this  must  be  so, 
it  does  not  necessarily  follow  that  the  narrative  as  given 
by  each  will  not  be  both  interesting  and  useful ,  for  while 
it  may  be  similar  in  a  general  way,  yet  each  one,  having 
witnessed  the  transaction  from  a  different  standpoint,  is 
able  to  add  variety  and  interest  thereto. 

Part  First  of  the  work  has  been  prepared  by  Private 
Joseph  W.  Grant,  of  Company  F,  who  kept  a  daily  record 
of  the  doings  of  the  regiment  while  it  was  in  the  service, 
and  who  was  therefore  specially  qualified  for  the  task 
which  the  committee  assigned  to  him.  I  feel  sure  that  the 
diligence  and  care  with  which  he  has  performed  his  task 
will  be  highly  appreciated  by  all  of  his  comrades,  and  also 
that  the  product  of  his  assiduous  labors  will  be  both  inter 
esting  and  useful  to  the  general  reader.  Comrade  Grant 
has  strongly  fortified  the  positions  taken  by  him  relating 
to  the  part  which  the  regiment  took  in  the  battle  of  Fred- 
ericksburg  by  adding  numerous  general  orders  of  com 
manders  high  in  authority  relating  to  that  terrible  battle. 

Part  Second  is  a  narrative  of  the  regiment  from  Jan.  8, 
1863,  to  July  17,  1863,  carefully  compiled  by  Lieut.  Daniel 
R.  Ballou  from  letters  of  Lieut.-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.,  writ 
ten  to  his  wife  during  the  time  that  he  was  with  the  regi 
ment.  This  compilation  gives  a  very  full  and  accurate 
account  of  the  doings  and  experiences  of  the  regiment 
from  the  time  when  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  joined  it 
until  it  was  mustered  out  of  the  service. 


PREFACE  IX 

Part  Third  consists  of  a  paper  which  is  a  digest  of  a  series 
of  army  letters  written  by  Rev.  Charles  M.  Winchester, 
lieutenant  in  Company  B,  to  the  Providence  Press,  under 
the  nom-de-plume  of  "  Minnick."  It  is  full  of  interesting 
incidents  and  experiences,  and  is  written  in  a  style  which 
is  characteristic  of  the  genius,  raciness,  and  good  taste  of 
the  author,  who  was  highly  beloved  and  respected  by  all 
his  comrades. 

Part  Third  also  contains  interesting  personal  reminis 
cences  by  Theodore  A.  Manchester,  of  Company  B, 
and  a  contribution  from  Theodore  F.  Dexter,  of  Com 
pany  F,  which  latter  contribution  contains,  amongst  other 
things,  an  account  of  his  thrilling  and  never-to-be-forgotten 
experience,  while  in  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  in 
a  lively  brush  with  a  detachment  of  Morgan's  forces  at 
Green  River,  Kentucky,  also  contributions  from.  Comrades 
Edward  F.  Gurry  and  Walter  A.  Scott,  of  Company  F. 

Part  Fourth  contains  papers  relating  to  the  regiment, 
prepared  and  read  on  various  occasions  since  the  war  by 
members  of  the  regiment,  and  now  brought  together  and 
published  in  permanent  form.  Amongst  these  papers  will 
be  found  full  and  graphic  accounts  by  Capt.  Oscar  Lap- 
harn  and  Lieut.  Daniel  R.  Ballou  of  the  part  which  the 
regiment  took  in  the  bloody  strife  at  Fredericksburg  in 
December,  1862. 

Comrade  Erastus  Richardson,  quartermaster's  clerk,  who 
was  the  poet  of  the  regiment,  and  who,  since  the  war,  has 
treated  his  surviving  comrades  to  a  number  of  racy  and 
beautiful  specimens  of  his  production,  has  kindly  permitted 
us  to  publish  some  of  them  in  our  History. 


X  PREFACE 

Part  Fifth  contains  personal  sketches  of  Col.  George  H. 
Browne,  Lieut.-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.,  Maj.  Cyrus  G.  Dyer, 
Surgeon  Benoni  Carpenter,  and  Chaplain  Samuel  W.  Field. 

Part  Sixth  contains  the  roster  of  the  regiment,  to 
gether  with  a  concise  index,  and  a  list  of  organizations  that 
are  mentioned  in  the  work. 

P.  E.  T. 


\ 


\ 


LIKUT.-COL.  JAMES  SPIAW,  JR. 


CONTENTS 


PART    FIRST 

REMINISCENCES     AND     OFFICIAL     ORDERS.     Compiled     by 

Joseph  W.  Grant g 

PART  SECOND 

A  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY  IN  THE  CIVIL  WAR  FROM  JANUARY  8,  1863, 
TO  JULY  17,  1863,  Compiled  by  Col.  Daniel  R.  Ballou 
from  Letters  of  Gen.  James  Shaw,  Jr.  ...  135 

REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY  FROM  ITS  ORGANIZATION  TO  THE  RECROSSING 
OF  THE  RAPPAHANNOCK  AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  FRED- 
ERICKSBURG.  By  Col.  Daniel  R.  Ballou  .  .  .  163 

REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUN 
TEERS — FROM  FALMOUTH  TO  KENTUCKY.  By  Col. 
Daniel  R.  Ballou 180 

PART  THIRD 

MEMORIES  AND  MEMORANDA  OF  THE  TAVELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND 
REGIMENT  IN  GENERAL  AND  COMPANY  B  IN  PARTICU 
LAR.  By  the  Rev.  Charles  M.  Winchester,  formerly 
Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  B  .  .  197 

PERSONAL  REMINISCENCES.  By  Theodore  A.  Manchester  214 
REMINISCENCES.  By  Edward  F.  Gurry  ....  223 
A  PERSONAL  REMINISCENCE.  By  Theodore  F.  Dexter  .  225 
REMINISCENCES.  By  Walter  A.  Scott  ....  231 


xii  CONTENTS 

PART  FOURTH 

REMINISCENCES  OF  SERVICE  WITH  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE 

ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS.  By  Pardon  E.  Tillinghast  .  237 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF  SERVICE  IN  THE  TWELFTH  REGIMENT 

RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS.  By  Capt.  Oscar  Lapham  261 

VERSES  READ  AT  THE  ANNUAL  REUNION  OF  THE  TWELFTH 
RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS  AT  ROCKY  POINT,  AUG.  7, 
1894.  By  Erastus  Richardson 279 

THE  LAMENTATIONS  OF  THE  CHAPLAIN  OF  THE  TWELFTH 
RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS.  RECITED  AT  THE  ANNUAL 
REUNION  AUG.  3,  1897.  By  Erastus  Richardson  .  283 

FACE  TO  FACE  WITH  TIME.  VERSES  READ  AT  THE  TWENTIETH 
REUNION  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS 
AT  CRESCENT  PARK,  AUG.  4,  1903.  By  Erastus  Rich 
ardson  291 

PART  FIFTH 

PERSONAL  SKETCHES: 

Col.  George  Huntington  Browne  ....  303 

Lieut.-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr. 304 

Major  Cyrus  G.  Dyer      .         .         .  .         .        .         .306 

Surgeon  Benoni  Carpenter     .  ...  307 

Chaplain   Samuel  Wheeler  Field  .         .         .         .  308 

PART  SIXTH 

ROSTER  OF  THE  TWELFTH  REGIMENT  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUN 
TEERS .  .  311 

INDEX  389 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Col.  George  H.  Browne Frontispiece 

Lieut-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.  .  .  .  Opposite  page  xi  of  Preface 
Major  Cyrus  G.  Dyer  ...  .  Opposite  page  15 

Surgeon  Benoni  Carpenter  .  .  .  .  .  "  «  25 
Chaplain  Samuel  W.  Field  .....""  43 

Lieut.  John  L.  Clarke  (Quartermaster)  «  «  47 

Capt.  James  M.  Longstreet c;  "  53 

Lieut.  Albert  W.  Delanah «  «  57 

Lieut.  Luther  Cole,  Jr.  .  .  .  .  .  .  "  «  61 

Capt.  Edward  S.  Cheney "  "  69 

Lieut.  John  S.  Roberts "  "  73 

Lieut.  Joseph  C.  Whiting,  Jr.  «  «  77 

Capt.  George  A.  Spink "  "  83 

Lieut.  Munson  H.  Najac "  "  91 

Capt.  William  E.  Hubbard «  «  97 

From  a  recent  picture "  "313 

Lieut.  Francisco  M.  Ballou «  "103 

From  a  recent  picture "  "317 

Capt.  James  H.  Allen       .         .         .         .         .         .  «  "107 

Lieut.  George  Bucklin      .         .         ,         .         .         .  «  "111 

Capt.  John  P.  Abbott       .         .         .         .         .  «  "113 

Lieut.  George  F.  Bicknell  .  .  .  .  '  "  "  117 

Lieut.  Henry  M.  Tillinghast "  "125 

Capt.  Oliver  H.  Perry «  "131 

Lieut.  Arnold  F.  Salisbury "  "  139 

Capt.  C.  Henry  Alexander "  "149 

Lieut.  Daniel  R.  Ballou "  "163 

Lieut.  Fenner  H.  Peckham,  Jr «  "  187 

Lieut.  Charles  M.  Winchester "  "197 

Theodore  A.  Manchester  "  "  215 


xiv  ILLUSTKATIONS 

Edward  F.  Gurry Opposite  page   223 

Theodore  F.  Dexter         .  v «         "225 

Walter  A.  Scott "         "       281 

Quartermaster  Sergt.  Pardon  E.  Tillinghast  "         "       237 

Capt.  Oscar  Lapham "         "       261 

Erastus  Richardson "         "279 

Joseph  W.  Grant,  in  uniform  as  captain  of  Rhode 

Island  State  Militia "         "       291 

From  a  recent  picture MM           3 

Edwin  H.  Tilley "         "       347 


Camp  Stevens,  Providence,  R.  I.  .         .          Opposite  page      7 

Map  of  Battlefield  of  Fredericksburg  "         "         21 

Crossing  the  River  in  Pontoons        ....""         29 
Location  of  Upper  Pontoon  Bridges  nearly  opposite 

Lacy  House "         "         33 

Water  Street,  looking  north,  our  position  on  morn 
ing  of  Dec.  13,  1862 37 

Steamboat  Landing,  foot  of  Water  Street  (Wash 
ington  farm  in  the  distance)      .         .         .         .         "         "173 
Stevens    House,    1902,   better    known    as   "Cobb 
House,"   on    Sunken    Road,   foot   of    Marye's 
Hill,  near  Cobb's  Monument     .         .         .         .         "         "181 
Sunken  Road,  Marye's  House  on  Hill  "         "       205 

Strutton  House,  better  known  as  the  Brick  House   .         "         "       249 
Sunken  Road,  north  of  Stevens  House  "         "       269 

Brompton,  better  known  as  Marye's  House,  General 

Longstreet's  Headquarters         ....""       273 
Battle  Flag  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers         "         "       389 


PART   FIRST 


JOSEPH  W.  GRANT. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


REMINISCENCES  AND  OFFICIAL  ORDERS 


COMPILED   BY 

JOSEPH   W.    GRANT 


.     .     .     On  what  condition  stands  it,  and  wherein  ? 

Even  in  condition  of  the  worst  degree,  — 

In  gross  rebellion,  and  detested  treason.     ..." 

KING  RICHARD  II. 


"WITH  the  election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  as  President  Nov.  7, 
I860,  the  rebellion  of  the  Southern  States  may  be  said  to  have 
begun  as  the  work  of  organizing  the  Confederacy  assumed  defi 
nite  shape  from  that  date.  .  .  . 

"Jefferson  Davis  was  inaugurated  President  of  the  Confed 
erate  States  of  America  Feb.  18,  1861,  and  three  days  later  Gen 
eral  Twiggs  of  the  United  States  army  surrendered  6,000  men 
and  11,200,000  worth  of  property  to  the  State  of  Texas.  .  .  . 

"The  day  after  the  surrender  of  Fort  Sumter  April  15th, 
President  Lincoln  issued  a  proclamation  calling  for  75,000  men 
to  volunteer  for  three  months.  .  .  .  On  April  16th,  the  day 
after  the  President's  proclamation,  Governor  Sprague  issued  an 
order  for  the  organization  of  the  First  Regiment  of  Infantry. 

"This  was  accomplished  so  promptly  that  on  April  20th  the 
first  detachment  left  Providence  under  command  of  Col.  Ambrose 
E.  Burnside,  and  the  second  on  April  24th,  under  command  of 
Lieut.-Col.  Joseph  S.  Pitman.  .  .  .  Call  after  call  for  troops 
followed  in  rapid  succession  and  drafts  were  ordered  in  most  if 
not  all  of  the  loyal  states. 


i    .'.\KI^ORV  .OP*  irilE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


"The  clen^nd',  fQf'Wiejn  by  the  government  was  continuous  and 
imperative.'  V  ."  .'"r> 

In  the\bbp;^  e&tfi(5-  by  Edwin  W.  Stone,  in  1864,  entitled  Rhode 
Island  in:t}ie''Rei)(3lU6ti,'ifte  situation  which  prevailed  at  the  time 
of  the  call  for  nine  months'  volunteers,  is  described  by  a  member 
of  the  Eleventh  Regiment  (see  page  345)  as  follows:  "Various 
causes  combined  to  promote  enlistments  for  the  nine  months' 
regiments  in  the  fall  of  1862.  The  disastrous  issue  of  McClel- 
lan's  Campaign  on  the  Peninsula  had  impressed  on  every  loyal 
mind  the  need  of  new  sacrifices  and  of  more  strenuous  efforts. 
Still,  under  the  delusion  that  the  failures  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  were  caused  by  inadequacy  of  force,  the  North  believed 
that  overwhelming  numbers  of  troops  must  be  at  once  mustered 
to  prevent  yet  more  fatal  calamities.  The  timid  gladly  offered 
exhortations  and  money  in  order  to  hasten  volunteering  which 
was  to  avoid  the  necessity  of  a  draft.  The  short  term  of  service 
attracted  many,  whom  duties  at  home  .  .  .  forbade  to  enter 
for  the  longer  period,  on  the  duties  of  the  soldier.  .  .  ." 

The  influence  of  the  press  and  the  pulpit  all  over  the  North 
also  contributed  largely  towards  the  immediate  enrollment  of 
thousands  in  answer  to  the  urgent  call  for  more  men.  The 
rapidity  with  which  men  came  forward  for  enlistment  in  Rhode 
Island  resulted  in  the  formation  of  two  full  regiments  of  one 
thousand  men  each,  in  a  remarkably  short  period  of  time. 

The  Eleventh  Rhode  Island  Infantry  commencing  to  recruit 
early  in  September,  left  the  State  for  the  front  on  October  6th. 
The  Twelfth  commenced  its  recruiting  a  little  later  in  the  month, 
and,  on  the  13th  of  October,  was  mustered  in,  and  left  for  the 
front  on  the  21st. 

In  this  regiment  could  be  found  men  from  all  the  varied  walks 
of  life.  The  laborer  from  the  fields  of  the  country  and  the 
streets  of  the  city,  the  artist  from  his  studio,  the  mechanic 
from  his  shop,  the  collegian  who  had  laid  aside  his  books,  the 
farmer  owning  his  broad  acres,  the  lawyer  from  his  clients,  the 
doctor  from  his  patients,  and  the  merchant  and  manufacturer 
from  their  stores  and  their  mills. 


i  From  a  history  edited  by  Edward  Field  A.  B.,  published  in  1902,  entitled 
State  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  at  the  end  of  the  century. 
Vol.  I,  Chapter  XXII,  page  376. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLIJ^EE^S  5 

The  intelligent  boy  much  under  the  age  required  by  strict  in 
terpretation  of  military  rule,  but  well  developed,  was  enabled  to 
find  a  rating  and  he  was  also  present  vdth  us  in  the  ranks,  at 
tired  in  the  uniform  of  the  soldier  auo  pledged  :o  support, 
through  weal  or  woe  his  country's  cause. 

The  writer  enlisting  on  the  16th  day  of  September,  on  the 
22d  reported  at  Camp  Stevens,  Providence,  R.  I.,  for  duty,  and, 
on  the  13th  day  of  October,  as  a  member  of  Company  F,  Twelfth 
Regiment  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  was  mustered  into  the  ser 
vice  of  the  United  States. 

Has  any  of  us  forgotten  his  first  lesson  in  camp  life  and  mili 
tary  discipline  as  inaugurated  at  the  "old  Dexter  Training 
Ground?"  With  what  interest  we  would  fall  into  line  and  listen 
for  the  orders:  "Attention!  Company!"  "In  Two  Ranks!" 
"Right  Face!"  "File  Right!"  "March!" 

After  the  duties  of  the  day  were  over  with  what  enjoyment  we 
would  listen  to  the  jokes  and  comments  concerning  our  situa 
tion,  present  and  prospective,  relieved  by  an  occasional  song  from 
Sergeant  Lindsey  of  Company  F,  or  a  grand  old  piece  of  sacred 
melody  as  rendered  by  Comrade  Kimball. 

What  a  magnificent  specimen  of  the  "fine  old  Irish  gentleman" 
we  always  had  before  us  for  contemplation  in  the  person  of  Com 
rade  Houlahan,  and,  as  a  light  weight,  what  other  member  of  the 
regiment  could  compare  in  continuous  resistance  to  real  or 
imaginary  wrongs  with  Comrade  Monaghan,  the  redoubtable 
Cornelius. 

Who  of  us  will  ever  forget  our  rations  of  "pea  soup"  and  a 
certain  beverage,  generously  supplied  under  the  name  of  "cof 
fee," — a  liquid  of  very  peculiar  odor  and  color,  supposed  at  the 
time,  by  some  of  the  more  curious  who  investigated,  to  have  been 
the  medium  wherein  our  supervisors,  medical  and  surgical,  en 
deavored  to  eliminate  from  the  system  all  things  relating  to  civil 
life, — that  we  might  the  sooner  become  the  full-fledged  soldier. 
And  with  what  success  we  can  all  bear  witness  as  we  call  to 
mind  the  extraordinary  developments  resulting  therefrom. 
What  subsequent  manoeuvres  could  be  compared  with  those  pre 
vailing  at  this  time  all  along  the  line?  Here  upon  Camp  Stevens 
who  could  fail  to  discern  the  unmistakable  evidence  of  the  ele 
ment  belligerent,  and  tactics  "Killkenny,"  which,  under  the  in- 


6  IN -TORY    O&-THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

fluence  'of  jmlftaiiv.  restraint  and  discipline,  rapidly  developed? 
At  first  we  could  Hear  the  occasional  low,  subdued,  suggestive 
roar,  increasing  itTjyohime  until  later,  at  the  camp  near  Fairfax 
Semi  nary,, -r-fuiry developed,  the  Lion's  den  became  an  estab 
lished  institution.  How  fresh  in  memory  we  call  to  mind  our 
honored  colonel,  as,  booted  and  spurred,  he  assumed  command 
of  the  regiment  at  Camp  Stevens.  How  vividly  we  call  to  mind 
Sergeant  Lindsey  of  Company  F,  with  improvised  sabre,  giving 
an  illustration  of  Colonel  Browne's  impressive  presence,  and 
unique  and  vigorous  action. 

It  was  generally  understood  that  the  volunteer  was  to  receive 
his  bounty  before  leaving  the  State.  The  boys  of  the  Eleventh 
received  theirs  accordingly.  But  the  promptness  of  the  paymas 
ter,  though  very  satisfactory  to  the  boys,  proved  to  be  not  alto 
gether  satisfactory  to  the  authorities,  as  a  number  of  the  men. 
taking  advantage  of  the  opportunity  afforded  in  transit  to  the 
front,  dropped  out  and  disappeared.  After  this  experience  it 
was  resolved  to  postpone  the  payment  of  the  bounty  due  the 
Twelfth  regiment  until  after  their  arrival  at  the  front.  This  be 
ing  decided  upon,  it  was  so  announced  to  the  regiment  while  un 
der  review  at  Camp  Stevens,  by  our  colonel,  together  with  the 
information  that  Ave  were  to  proceed  at  once  and  take  trans 
portation.  By  a  large  majority  of  the  regiment  this  information 
was  received  with  enthusiasm  and  without  question,  and  when 
the  order  to  "march"  immediately  following  this  announcement 
was  given,  it  was  responded  to  promptly  and  with  cheers,  as 
rapidly  we  moved  to  our  point  of  embarkation.  Quite  a  number 
of  disaffected  ones,  however,  dropped  out  of  the  ranks  to  consider 
more  fully  before  leaving  the  State,  this  suspension  of  payment. 

It  was  not  at  all  surprising  that  some  display  of  insubordina 
tion,  the  cause  of  which  came  unexpectedly  and  without  con 
sideration,  should  thus  have  manifested  itself.  To  many  of  our 
comrades,  turning  from  their  homes  for  long,  weary  months, — 
perhaps  forever — leaving  anxious  and  needy  relatives,  this  sus 
pension  of  payment  proved  a  grievous  disappointment.  We 
were  powerless  to  assuage  the  grief  of  anxious,  loving  hearts,  and 
many  of  us  were  now  equally  unable  to  provide  for  those  slighter 
comforts  which  might  have  been  imparted  by  the  possession  of 
the  promised  bounty. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  7 

By  threatening  the  "bounty  jumper,"  however,  who  was  dis 
covered  and  held  up  for  inspection,  and  conciliating  the  honest 
and  well  disposed,  who  were  soon  led  to  see  the  necessity  of  the 
measure,  the  authorities  rapidly  gathered  together  this  install 
ment  of  delinquents  who  were  forwarded  in  due  time  and 
arrived  to  join  us  at  Camp  Chase. 

As  before  stated,  leaving  somewhat  reluctantly  our  com 
rades  to  consider  the  change  in  the  programme  concerning  boun 
ties  we  arrived  at  our  point  of  embarkation  and  between  the 
hours  of  six  and  seven  p.  M.  on  the  21st  of  October,  the  first  con 
tingent  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers  was  safely 
aboard  the  cars  en  route  for  the  front.  At  9.30  we  arrived  at 
Groton,  boarded  the  steamer  Plymouth  Rock,  and,  at  eleven  were 
moving  down  the  Sound.  A  heavy  blow  from  the  south  pre 
vailed  throughout  the  night  changing  to  the  northeast  at  day 
break,  and  at  sunrise  the  sky  was  perfectly  clear.  We  arrived 
in  Jersey  City  at  eight  A.  MV  and,  embarking  on  the  steamer 
Kill  Von  Kull,  at  ten  o'clock  steamed  toward  Elizabethport. 

Passing  Staten  Island  we  received  our  first  ovation.  The 
streets  and  grounds,  also  the  tops  of  many  of  the  buildings,  were 
thronged  with  people,  all  intent  on  their  kindly  greetings,  wav 
ing  flags  and  handkerchiefs,  and  loudly  cheering  as  we  passed 
along. 

Responding  to  our  country's  call, 
What  inspiration  we  receive, 
As  strangers  ceasing  from  their  toil, 
Give  cheers  and  kindly  words 
To  help  us  on. 

While  leaving  friends  and  home  behind 

We  journey  on, 

Who  but  can  feel,  within  his  breast, 
That  what  betide,  in  comradeship, 
He  may  be  spared  the  fate, 
That  may  await,  in  battle's  crash, 
And  once  more  see  his  native  hills, 
Illumined  by  the  gilded  rays 

Of  lasting  peace. 

We  arrived  at  Elizabethport  about  twelve  M.  and  left  at  three 
p.  M.  en  route  by  rail  for  Baltimore  by  way  of  Harrisburg,  halted 
at  Phillipsburgh  and  at  Easton ;  passed  through  Reading  in  the 


8  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

night,  and  the  next  morning  found  ourselves  close  by  Harris- 
burg,  and  at  sunrise  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  entered  the  city. 
We  left  the  cars  here,  formed  in  the  street  for  roll-call,  and,  im 
mediately  after  returning  to  our  places,  continued  our  journey. 

The  road  we  found  to  be  strictly  guarded  long  before  we  came 
to  Baltimore,  passing  detachment  after  detachment  on  picket, 
who  cheered  as  we  went  past.  We  arrived  in  Baltimore  just  at 
nightfall  Thursday  evening.  Leaving  the  cars,  the '  regiment 
formed,  and  proceeded  through  the  streets  of  the  city  to  our 
resting-place  for  the  night.  While  on  our  way  we  halted  at  the 
special  rendezvous  established  for  soldiers,  unslung  knapsacks, 
and  paid  our  respects  to  a  generous  collation  of  coffee,  bread, 
beef,  ham,  tongue,  etc. ;  after  which  we  slung  knapsacks,  marched 
to  the  depot  and  camped  for  the  night  upon  the  floor.  The  fol 
lowing  morning  at  six  o'clock  we  turned  out  for  roll --call,  and, 
the  regiment  forming,  we  proceeded  to  our  rendezvous  of  the 
night  before,  received  our  breakfast,  reformed  our  ranks,  and, 
marching  about  the  city,  visited  the  Washington  monument  and 
also  the  monument  erected  in  1815  in  commemoration  of  those 
who,  on  the  13th  and  14th  of  September,  1814,  fell  in  Fort  Mc- 
Henry  and  on  the  field  while  in  the  defence  of  Baltimore  from 
the  attacks  of  the  British. 

During  a  short  halt  of  the  regiment  at  the  latter  place  an  in 
cident  occurred  that  reminded  me  quite  forcibly  of  the  reception 
the  Sixth  Massachusetts  received  and  of  the  ill-feeling  still  exist 
ing  there.  For  instance,  a  man  whom  the  writer  supposed  to  be 
a  citizen  of  Baltimore,  approached.  Informing  him  as  to  where 
we  hailed  from,  in  response  to  his  inquiry,  he  sneeringly  retorted 
and  volunteered  to  inform  us  that  as  soon  as  we  arrived  where 
the  foe  could  lay  their  hands  on  us,  we  were  doomed, — and  that 
speedily — to  disastrous  and  ignominious  defeat.  At  this  point 
our  interview  was  broken  by  our  departure  from  this  locality, 
and  our  interviewer  was  left  to  enjoy  the  anticipation  of  our 
soon  being  at  the  mercy  of  his  loving  friends  in  Dixie. 

Returning  to  the  depot  we  finally  boarded  the  cars  en  route 
for  Washington.  At  frequent  intervals  along  the  road  the  camp- 
fires  of  the  picket  station  lighted  up  our  train  as  we  slowly  pro 
gressed  on  our  way  We  finally  reached  the  great  Capitol  at 
eleven  p.  M.  on  the  night  of  the  24th  of  October.  We  proceeded 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS 

immediately  to  quarters  assigned  us,  unslung  knapsacks,  and 
marched  about  forty  rods  to  the  "Soldiers'  Retreat''  where  we 
found  rations  awaiting  us.  After  a  most  determined  onslaught 
upon  the  collation  we  returned  to  our  quarters,  and,  at  one  A.  M., 
turned  in. 

The  writer  was  hoping  we  might  remain  in  Washington  two  or 
three  days,  at  least,  but  was  disappointed.  We  afterwards  found 
that  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  was  not  destined  to  remain  long 
in  any  one  place,  and,  accordingly,  the  following  morning  at 
eleven  o'clock,  we  were  called  upon  to  move  on. 

Passing  down  Pennsylvania  Avenue  we  formed  in  line  oppo 
site  General  Casey's  headquarters,  gave  him  three  rousing  cheers 
and  at  twelve  o'clock  passed  on  to  "Long  Bridge"  and  across  the 
Potomac.  This  day  (the  25th  of  October)  was  remarkably 
warm,  and  the  streets  and  highways  were  very  dusty;  and  the 
halt  we  made  when  about  a  mile  from  the  river,  was  a  relief  most 
fully  appreciated ;  after  which  we  continued  our  march  for  about 
one  mile  farther,  when,  filing  to  the  right  we  left  the  road,  and, 
forming  our  camp  upon  an  eminence  within  sight  of  the  dome  of 
the  Capitol,  pitched  our  tents  in  time  to  shelter  us  from  the  rain, 
which,  the  next  day,  Sunday  the  26th,  poured  in  torrents,  con 
tinuing  throughout  the  day  and  night.  In  one  of  the  tents  as 
signed  to  Company  F  we  had  about  twenty-two  in  number,  and 
among  them  we  had  two  unlucky  members,  one  of  whom  the 
writer  will  call  Corp.  Eugene  M.  Thain,  of  Company  F,  the  other, 
Private  Arnold  Jenckes,  of  Company  F,  who  located  for  the  night 
immediately  in  the  centre  of  the  tent  directly  under  the  cap. 
This  cap  is  a  circular  piece  of  canvas  peculiar  to  the  Sibley  tent, 
ingeniously  contrived  for  the  purpose  of  ventilation,  is  easily 
adjusted  by  means  of  ropes  that  hang  upon  the  outside  within 
easy  reach,  and  the  aperture  which  it  covers  could  be  closed  en 
tirely  or  left  partially  or  wholly  open  at  the  pleasure  of  the  oc 
cupants.  As  it  happened,  we  had  quite  a  gale  of  wind  through 
out  the  night,  and  the  cap  not  being  properly  adjusted,  blew  off 
and  the  rain  came  down  upon  the  above  mentioned  comrades, 
who  turned  out  in  the  morning  in  a  somewhat  dilapidated  con 
dition. 

Monday  the  27th,  at  noon,  the  storm  ceased,  the  sun  came  out, 
we  dried  our  blankets,  and,  on  Tuesday,  repitched  our  tents  in 


10  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

regular  order.  Here  we  were  brigaded  under  Colonel  Wright,, 
in  Casey's  division,  of  the  army  of  the  defences  of  Washington, 
and  received  our  arms — the  right  and  left  companies  of  the  regi 
ment  received  the  improved  Springfield  rifles ;  the  balance  of  the 
regiment  the  old  Springfield  smooth  bore. 

Sunday,  November  2d,  we  received  orders  to  march,  packed 
knapsacks,  and,  at  eleven  A.  M.,  bade  farewell  to  Camp  Chase. 

Our  route  of  march  lay  along  the  highway  to  the  south,  up  a 
hill  and  in  the  direction  of  Fairfax  Seminary.  We  passed  the 
Seminary  buildings  at  twelve  M.  They  stood  upon  an  eminence, 
almost  hidden  from  view  by  the  thick  growth  of  surrounding 
trees,  and  were  objects  of  interest  to  us,  as  being  early  associated 
with  leading  events  at  the  beginning  of  the  conflict. 

Six  miles  to  the  north,  and  partly  in  view,  was  the  Capitol,  and 
from  here  also  the  course  of  the  Potomac  could  be  discerned  for 
many  miles  as  it  bore  away  to  the  south  and  east  of  us.  A  short 
distance  southeast  of  the  Seminary  on  the  left  of  the  highway  as 
we  descended  the  hill,  we  passed  a  small  park  or  common.  This 
common  was  then  utilized  as  a  burial  place  for  Union  soldiers, — 
each  grave  having  a  neat  marker  with  the  name  of  the  deceased, 
and  the  regiment  and  company  to  which  he  belonged  inscribed 
thereon. 

Continuing  along  half  a  mile  farther,  we  left  the  highway,  filed 
to  the  right  up  a  short,  steep  incline,  and,  at  two  P.  M.,  formed 
our  camp  and  pitched  our  tents  upon  the  summit  of  an  eminence 
on  a  level  space  directly  between  two  fine  large  houses, — the  oc 
cupants  of  which  had  left  this  beautiful  situation  to  be  occupied 
by  our  troops,  and  their  buildings  to  be  used  as  quarters  for  our 
officers  and  hospitals  for  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  The 
highway  from  Fairfax  Seminary  passed  in  front,  and  at  only  a 
few  rods  distance  from  us  on  the  side  of  the  hill, — our  camp  fac 
ing  it  towards  the  east.  The  city  of  Alexandria  was  about  a 
mile  and  a  half  also  to  the  east  of  us  and  partly  in  view. 

The  great  highway  from  Alexandria  to  Fairfax  Court  House 
and  Manassas  passed  our  camp,  running  nearly  east  and  west, 
and  at  a  distance  of  not  more  than  fifty  rods  to  the  south  at  right 
angles  with  the  highway,  passing  our  camp  from  the  north  which 
entered  it  at  this  point. 

This  thoroughfare  was  lined  with  ambulances,  baggage  wag- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  11 

ons,  and  other  vehicles.  Our  anxiety  led  us  to  immediately  in 
vestigate  concerning  this  remarkable  output  of  ambulances,  im 
plying  that  it  must  be  decidedly  unhealthy  out  towards  Manas- 
sas,  and,  as  it  looked  as  though  we  might  be  called  upon  to  take 
a  run  out  that  way,  we  naturally  felt  uneasy.  Investigation, 
however,  served  to  dispel  our  fears  in  some  measure,  and  revealed 
the  gratifying  fact  that  an  immense  camp  had  been  established 
at  Alexandria  for  convalescent  soldiers,  and  that  these  ambu 
lances  were  employed  in  bringing  in  the  sick  and  disabled  from 
all  points,  thus  relieving  the  army  at  the  front  of  a  great  burden 
and  placing  them  where  they  could  receive  the  attention  neces 
sary  to  speedy  recovery. 

Having  arrived  at  a  solution  of  this  somewhat  startling  prob 
lem,  we  proceeded  to  examine  more  fully  the  interesting  features 
of  this  panorama  spread  out  before  us  from  this  remarkably  fine 
outlook. 

The  railroad  from  Alexandria  to  Richmond,  by  way  of  Fred- 
ericksburg,  was  a  half-mile  or  more  south  of  our  camp,  and  ran 
parallel  with  the  wagon  road  for  two  miles,  bearing  away  farther 
to  the  south  as  it  ascended  the  hills  in  the  distance.  The  trains 
were  running  night  and  day  carrying  re-enforcements  and  stores 
to  the  front.  Those  roads  were  in  full  view  of  our  camp  for  three 
or  four  miles.  We  could  see  the  trains  as  they  started  from 
Alexandria,  and  as  they  continued  their  way  far  to  the  west  of 
us.  The  level  space  occupied  by  us  on  this  elevated  point  cov 
ered  an  area  of  perhaps  six  or  seven  acres. 

Our  tents  were  pitched  upon  the  southern  point,  and  those  of 
another  regiment  alongside,  and,  at  the  north  of  us,  and  at  an 
elevation  of  perhaps  two  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Po 
tomac,  which  coursed  along  in  full  view  of  our  camp. 

Across  a  valley  to  the  northwest,  and  perhaps  half  a  mile  dis 
tant,  was  Fort  Worth,  and  to  the  south  of  this  fort,  upon  the 
wagon  road  was  Clouds  Mills,  so  often  referred  to  during  the 
earlier  period  of  the  Rebellion.  Our  camp  on  the  south  and  west 
was  bounded  by  a  bluff,  up  and  down  the  steep  side  of  which 
we  picked  our  way  to  and  from  the  valley  where  a  fine  stream  of 
water  coursed  its  way,  supplied  from  springs  located  in  the  im 
mediate  vicinity,  and  south  of  the  Seminary  buildings.  The 
Seminary,  Fort  Worth  and  our  camp  were  all  on  about  the  same 


12  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

elevation,  forming  a  half-circle;  the  Seminary  at  the  north,  our 
camp  on  the  southeastern,  and  Fort  Worth  on  the  southwestern 
point.  Taking  into  consideration  the  surroundings  and  associa 
tions  connected  with  the  situation,  a  more  pleasant  or  interest 
ing  place  for  our  camp  could  not  have  been  selected. 

Monday,  November  3d.  the  next  day  after  forming  our  camp, 
we  packed  knapsacks  and  had  our  first  experience  in  picket  duty. 
Companies  F  and  G  w^ere  detailed  for  that  purpose,  and?  at  half 
past  eight  in  the  morning,  we  moved  down  the  hills,  filed  to  the 
right,  passed  Clouds  Mills  at  nine,  and  continued  on  as  far  as 
Bailey's  Cross-Roads,  a  locality,  the  name  of  which  we  were  all 
familiar  with  before  leaving  home,  through  the  columns  of  our 
papers.  Here  passing  this  locality  our  forces  had  marched  and 
countermarched,  and  at  this  place  we  halted,  established  our 
quarters  and  posted  our  pickets. 

The  following  day  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  reserve  formed  in  line 
to  receive  the  new  "guard,"  who  in  turn  relieved  our  pickets,  and 
at  twelve  we  started  for  camp,  arriving  at  two  P.  M.  Our  camp 
was  named  Camp  Casey,  near  Fairfax  Seminary.  Alongside  of 
us  were  also  encamped  the  Fifteenth  Connecticut  and  the  Thir 
teenth  New  Jersey,  our  regiment  occupying  the  centre.  Fifty  of 
our  regiment  were  detailed  November  7th  as  "Knights  of  the 
Pick  and  Shovel''  to  do  fatigue  duty  at  Fort  Blenker.  The 
"Knights''  went  out,  accordingly,  but  soon  returned,  driven  in 
by  the  storm,  which  commenced  the  evening  of  the  6th,  and,  by 
ten  A.  M.  on  the  Tth,  we  found  ourselves  in  the  midst  of  an  old- 
fashioned  New  England  snowstorm.  The  wind  howled  a  gale, 
the  air  was  very  cold,  and  the  snow  whirling  about  made  our  sit 
uation  very  uncomfortable,  especially  to  those  on  guard  and  ex 
posed  to  its  fury. 

From  November  8th  to  the  12th  nothing  of  unusual  interest 
occurred,  our  time  being  taken  up  in  drill  and  in  other  necessary 
duties  connected  with  camp  life.  November  12th  our  colonel  re 
ceived  orders  to  have  the  entire  regiment  in  readiness  early  the 
next  day  for  picket  duty.  The  roll  of  drums  at  six  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  13th  aroused  many  a  drowsy  soldier  of  the 
Twelfth  and  interrupted  many  a  pleasant  dream  of  home, 
awakening  him  to  the  stern  reality  of  other  duties  and  associa 
tions. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  13 

At  eight  o'clock  we  formed  in  the  company  streets  and  at 
8.30  our  respective  companies  passed  Colonel  Wright's  headquar 
ters.  The  regiment  formed  for  guard,— mounting  directly  in 
front  of  his  residence,  executed  the  manoeuvres,  listened  to  the 
music  from  the  brigade  band,  and,  at  8.45,  filing  into  the  high 
way  and  taking  the  direction  of  Fairfax  Court  House,  were 
fairly  on  our  way. 

After  passing  Clouds  Mills  and  ascending  the  hills  beyond, 
we  came  to  a  halt.  The  regiment  was  divided  into  companies  of 
one  hundred  and  eight  each.  These  divisions  were  named  sup 
ports  and  numbered  first,  second,  third,  etc.  This  arrangement 
being  made,  we  continued  our  march,  and,  at  eleven  A.  MV  found 
ourselves  at  the  end  of  our  journey.  Here  we  found  good  shelter 
awaiting  us,  gladly  vacated  by  the  Twenty-seventh  New  Jersey, 
who  turned  out  to  receive  us  upon  our  arrival.  Here  our  sup 
ports  were  subdivided  into  three  reliefs  of  thirty-six  men,  each 
relief  to  remain  on  duty  four  hours;  the  first  going  on  to  be  re 
lieved  by  the  second,  and  the  second  by  the  third,  thus  giving  each 
relief  eight  hours  at  the  general  rendezvous.  Immediately  after 
the  formation  of  our  reliefs  we  marched  to  our  posts.  We  found 
Post  No.  1  located  on  the  highway  and  alongside  the  ruins  of  a 
large  building  destroyed  by  fire,  probably  since  the  war  com 
menced,  nothing  being  left  but  the  walls  and  chimney. 

Upon  relieving  this  post  we  left  the  highway,  which  here  runs 
nearly  east  and  west,  taking  our  course  along  the  fields  to  the 
south  for  Post  No.  2.  The  posts  were  perhaps  thirty  rods  apart, 
and  three  men  were  stationed  at  each  with  one  sergeant  or  cor 
poral  in  charge  of  every  three  posts. 

The  orders  were  for  one  man  to  remain  at  the  post  while  his 
comrades  wrere  to  patrol  in  opposite  directions,  meet  the  sentinel 
from  the  post  adjoining  them  and  return,  thereby  keeping  up 
communication  throughout  the  entire  line ;  the  men  to  have  their 
pieces  loaded  and  bayonets  fixed,  with  particular  instructions  to 
be  vigilant,  build  no  fires,  light  no  matches,  and  neither  smoke 
nor  indulge  in  loud  conversation. 

The  line  of  pickets  ran  nearly  north  and  south,  the  first  sup 
port  being  on  the  right  of  the  line  commencing  in  the  vicinity  of 
Bailey's  Cross  roads  and  connected  with  the  second  at  Post 
No.  1.  The  line  of  our  support  ran  from  the  main  road  towards 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

the  railroad,  the  distance  between  the  two  at  this  place  being 
perhaps  a  mile  and  a  half;  our  support  reaching  two-thirds  of 
the  distance,  there  to  connect  with  the  third,  and  so  on  to  the 
last  support. 

Our  beat  led  over  level  spaces,  up  and  down  hills,  where  it  re 
quired  the  greatest  care  to  preserve  our  equilibrium,  through 
tangled  thickets  of  bush  and  brier,  and  over  every  conceivable 
obstacle  in  the  shape  of  stump,  stone,  log,  and  bog.  We  were 
very  fortunate  in  having  pleasant  weather  during  this  duty.  We 
took  our  posts  at  twelve,  unslung  our  blankets,  knapsacks,  can 
teens,  and  loaded  our  pieces.  We  were  relieved  at  four  o'clock, 
and  arrived  at  the  rendezvous  in  time  to  make  our  coffee  by  day 
light,  eat  our  supper,  spread  our  blankets  and  turn  in.  At  mid 
night  we  were  called  up.  The  night  was  warm  and  pleasant, 
the  moon  just  rising  as  we  took  our  posts.  The  time  passed 
quickly,  and,  at  half  past  four,  we  were  again  at  the  rendezvous. 
The  weather  continued  fine  and  nothing  remarkable  occurred  in 
connection  with  our  duties,  unless  we  except  a  visit  from  Gen 
eral  Casey,  who  rode  along  our  picket  line  accompanied  by  his 
staff  on  a  tour  of  inspection,  or  the  inability  of  Corp.  Jimmy 
Good,  of  Company  F,  to  control  his  musket,  which  unexpectedly 
went  screaming  into  action  with  startling  effect. 

At  eleven  A.  M.,  the  15th,  we  formed  in  line  to  receive  the  new 
guard,  and,  by  twelve,  our  last  relief  was  in  and  we  started  for 
camp.  We  reached  it  about  two  P.  M.  and  found  our  rations  of 
soup  and  hot  coffee  awaiting  us,  to  which  we  immediately  paid 
our  respects. 

Early  Sunday,  the  16th,  we  cleaned  our  muskets,  brushed  our 
clothes,  and,  at  eleven  A.  M.,  listened  to  our  chaplain,  who  held 
forth  from  the  steps  of  the  building  adjoining  our  camp  on  the 
north.  This  building  was  very  large  and  was  occupied  by  our 
colonel,  his  staff,  the  post  office,  hospital,  and  quartermaster's 
department. 

Tuesday,  the  18th,  at  dress  parade,  we  had  orders  to  be  in 
readiness  the  following  morning  for  brigade  review, — the  same 
to  come  off  at  Fort  Albany. 

Accordingly,  the  19th,  at  8.30  A.  M.  our  regiment,  ready  and 
equipped  for  the  march,  halted  opposite  Colonel  Wright's  head 
quarters.  The  Fifteenth  Connecticut  took  position  on  the  right. 


MAJOR  CYRUS  O.  DYER. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  15 

the  Thirteenth  New  Hampshire  formed  on  the  left,  and  we  com 
menced  our  march.  After  proceeding  about  two  miles,  the  or 
der  was  countermanded,  and,  coming  to  an  "about  face,"  we 
made  quick  march  for  our  camp,  arriving  in  time  to  escape  a 
drenching  rain.  As  our  large  Sibley  tents  were  furnished  with 
stoves  and  plenty  of  wood,  we  contrived  to  make  ourselves  com 
fortable  for  the  balance  of  the  day. 

On  the  21st  our  time  came  for  picket  duty,  and  again  the 
Twelfth  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  Avas  favored  with 
pleasant  weather.  While  the  other  regiments  of  our  brigade  had 
to  contend  with  storms  while  on  this  duty,  the  Twelfth  thus  far 
'escaped  this  discomforting  experience.  Saturday,  the  22d,  was 
very  warm  and  pleasant,  but  Sunday,  the  23d,  the  sky  was  par 
tially  overcast  with  clouds.  The  air  was  raw  and  chilly  and  the 
wind  blew  a  gale  from  the  northwest.  At  two  P.  M.  our  regi 
ment  came  in,  all  in  good  spirits,  and  glad  to  get  into  camp. 

Monday,  the  24th,  we  had  a  pleasant  day  and  a  fine  time  drill 
ing.  The  men  were  in  excellent  spirits  and  were  fast  improving 
in  the  drill  and  discipline  necessary  to  make  the  effective  soldier. 
With  what  readiness  we  fell  in  for  battalion  drill,  under  the 
leadership  of  Major  Dyer,  whose  impressive  presence,  eagle  eye, 
and  military  bearing,  bespoke  the  ideal  soldier! 

The  Twelfth,  as  yet,  continued  in  remarkably  good  condition 
compared  with  the  Thirteenth  New  Hampshire  and  the  Fifteenth 
Connecticut,  who,  arriving  here  at  the  same  time  as  ourselves, 
had  already  lost  several  men  and  at  this  time  had  quite  a  num 
ber  sick  in  the  hospital. 

Tuesday,  the  25th,  was  a  cloudy,  misty  day,  and  in  the  night 
it  rained  quite  hard.  Wednesday  morning  it  cleared  in  time  for 
us  to  attempt  drill.  The  downfall  during  the  night  had  softened 
the  surface  of  the  clay,  a  peculiarity  in  the  mud  at  this  place, 
which  you  can  appreciate  by  spreading  lard  an  inch  thick  upon  a 
plank  and  then  attempting  to  walk  upon  it.  I  will  give  Com 
rade  Andrew  M.  Belcher  credit  for  the  foregoing  illustration  of 
the  condition  of  our  parade  ground,  which  was  a  correct  one. 
Our  manoeuvres  this  day,  though  occupying  a  very  brief  period, 
developed  many  new  features  in  fancy  drill. 

The  27th  was  Thanksgiving  day  in  Rhode  Island  and  it  was 
also  duly  observed  by  us  in  camp.  We  were  relieved  from  drill, 


16  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

i 

attended  divine  service  at  eleven  A.  MV  and  had  a  little  recrea 
tion  walking  about  the  country.  Several  of  us,  having  now  the 
opportunity,  took  a  run  down  to  Alexandria  to  which  place  we 
found  we  had  underrated  the  distance,  it  being  nearly  two  and 
a  half  miles  from  the  camp.  We  passed  the  convalescent  camp, 
situated  on  the  heights  to  the  west  of  Alexandria,  and  to  the 
north  of  Fort  Ellsworth,  on  the  same  eminence.  In  the  vicinity 
of  this  camp  was  the  "Recruiting  Camp/'  making,  in  the  aggre 
gate,  an  immense  collection  of  tents  and  occupants.  From  this 
locality  we  had  a  very  extensive  view  of  the  country  for  miles 
around.  In  full  view  lay  the  City  of  Washington  to  the  north  of 
us;  Fairfax  Seminary,  two  miles  to  the  northwest,  and  Alex 
andria,  a  short  distance  to  the  east  and  perhaps  one  hundred  feet 
below  the  level  on  which  we  stood.  The  view  of  the  Potomac 
from  this  height  was  simply  grand ! 

Acquia  Creek  at  this  time  being  the  base  of  Burnside's  opera 
tions  in  Virginia,  the  Potomac  was  crowded  with  vessels  of 
every  size  and  description  plying  between  Acquia  Creek,  Alexan 
dria  and  Washington. 

Thanksgiving  in  camp  recalls  to  mind  the  scarcity  of  all  the 
good  things  necessary  to  make  up  a  first-class  dinner.  Many 
of  our  regiment  will  recollect  that  while  in  camp  here,  how  and 
where  one  or  more  of  our  comrades  located  a  remarkably  fine 
turkey;  how  the  colonel's  larder  was  relieved  of  the  same;  the 
indignant  colonel;  the  speedy  arrest  of  the  guilty  culprit;  free 
exhibition  of  "High  Horse"  manoeuvring,  a  feature  in  military 
tactics  well  calculated  to  strike  terror  to  the  heart  of  the  guilty 
offender. 

December  1st,  we  received  orders  to  inarch  at  once  and  at 
twelve  M.  our  brigade  was  on  the  move.  We  passed  through 
Washington  just  at  nightfall  over  the  bridge  which  crosses  the 
east  branch  of  the  Potomac,  and  encamped  near  Uniontown  in 
Maryland  about  two  miles  beyond  the  city  for  the  night.  The 
following  morning  we  continued  our  journey  along  the  Mary 
land  side  of  the  Potomac. 

I  will  again  quote  from  Rhode  Island  in  the  Rebellion  by  Ed 
win  W.  Stone,  who  thus  describes  the  close  of  our  third  day's 
inarch.  This  is  what  he  writes :  "The  sight  at  the  close  of  their 
third  day's  march  was  a  grand  one.  The  two  brigades  that  had 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  17 

thus  far  preceded  were  overtaken.  They  had  encamped  on  the 
southern  or  farther  side  hills  of  the  Piscataway  valley  and  we  on 
the  northern.  The  whole  formed  a  sort  of  amphitheatre,  when  all 
were  in  position.  Camp-fires  blazed  up  in  every  direction.  The 
night  was  very  dark  and  this  improvised  illumination  lighted 
up  objects  around  with  startling  effect.  The  whole  was  height 
ened  by  the  hurrahs  and  shouts  of  the  men.  The  rabbits  which 
abound  in  this  region  were  constantly  being  routed  from  their 
hiding  places,  and,  in  their  terror  and  attempt  to  escape,  would 
run  from  one  squad  or  company  or  regiment  to  another,  and  the 
men,  forgetting  their  weariness  and  blisters,  would  put  chase 
with  a,  hurrah  and  shout  that  echoed  among  the  hills  till  it 
sounded  as  if  Pandemonium  were  let  loose.  The  darkness  of 
the  night,  the  fitful  flash  of  the  thousands  of  camp-fires,  the 
rushing  to  and  fro  of  the  soldiers  in  the  chase  and  the  echoed 
shouts,  all  produced  a  scene  of  grand  confusion  and  brilliancy 
rarely  seen,  and  which  will  never  be  forgotten  by  those  who 
witnessed  it." 

We  had  fine  weather  until  Friday,  the  5th,  when  it  com 
menced  raining  and  at  night  turning  to  snow,  made  our  en 
campment  exceedingly  unpleasant.  We  expected  to  have  reached 
the  Potomac  Friday  night,  but  the  rain  softening  the  roads  made 
our  progress  extremely  difficult  and  tedious,  and,  at  three  P.  M., 
we  discontinued  our  inarch  and  encamped.  It  ceased  snowing 
early  in  the  night  and  the  next  day  at  ten  A.  M.  we  were  on  the 
march.  It  was  a  most  delightful  morning  (in  contrast  with  our 
condition  the  night  before),  and  one  ever  to  be  remembered.  The 
snow  had  crusted  over,  bearing  our  weight  as  we  marched,  and 
the  kun  shining  brightly  gave  the' evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  by 
the  roadside,  a  beautiful  appearance,  as  they  glittered  with  SUOAV. 

At  twelve  M.  we  were  upon  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  at 
Liverpool  Point  opposite  Acquia  Creek  waiting  our  turn  to  be 
ferried  across.  It  came  at  last,  and,  at  five  p.  M.,  we  were  aboard 
our  craft — an  open  ferry  boat — and  on  cur  way.  At  seven  we 
were  alongside  the  pier,  and,  at  eight,  off  the  boat,  and  in  line, 
waiting  orders.  It  was  a  bitter  cold  night  and  our  halt  of  an 
hour  and  a  half  at  this  place  will  ever  be  remembered  by  the  regi 
ment.  After  a  tedious  search  our  colonel  found  a  brook  and 
nearby,  on  a  side  hill,  a  space  where  the  trees  had  been  felled  and 
2 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

some  of  them  cut  up,  and,  at  half  past  nine,  we  finally  received 
orders  to  move, — passing  up  the  railroad  which  ran  from  Acquia 
Creek  to  Fredericksburg.  We  left  the  track,  filing  to  the  left, 
and,  after  proceeding  about  one-third  of  a  mile,  the  regiment 
was  speedily  brought  up,  pushed  by  companies  in  among  the 
fallen  timbers,  and  we  proceeded  to  encamp. 

The  spot  selected  was  on  the  side  of  a  hill  where  heavy  timber 
had  recently  been  cut,  and  most  of  it  taken  off,  but  the  tops  of 
the  trees,  and  some  of  the  large  logs,  had  been  left  and  were 
covered  with  snow  which  had  fallen  the  nigh  I:  before.  The 
difficulties  we  encountered  here,  our  fruitless  endeavor  to  make 
ourselves  anything  but  miserable,  lack  of  sufficient  rations,  the 
intense  suffering  caused  by  the  accumulation  of  smoke  from  our 
fires  that  hung  about  and  around  us,  and  from  which  we  could 
not  escape,  are  ever  present  to  us  as  memory  calls  to  mind  "Camp 
Smoke." 

OFFICIAL    EECORDS. 
Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  338  and  339.] 

REPORT  OF  COL.  AARON  F.  STEVENS,  THIRTEENTH  NEW  HAMPSHIRE 

INFANTRY. 

OPPOSITE  FREDERICKSBURG,  VA., 

Dec.  22,  1862. 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  the  operations  of  the  regi 
ment  under  my  command  since  their  departure  from  Camp 
Casey,  near  Fairfax  Seminary,  Va.  .  .  . 

My  regiment  moved  from  Camp  Casey  on  the  1st  instant  with 
the  1st  brigade  of  Casey's  division,  consisting  of  the  15th  Con 
necticut,  13th  New  Hampshire,  12th  Rhode  Island,  and  25th  and 
27th  New  Jersey  Volunteers,  under  command  of  the  Senior  Col. 
Dexter  R.  Wright,  of  the  15th  Connecticut  Vols. 

The  first  day  we  readied  Uniontown,  some  two  miles  southerly 
from  Washington  City.  We  encamped  the  second  day  near  Pis- 
cataway,  and  the  third  day,  about  six  miles  northerly  from  Port 
Tobacco.  We  passed  Port  Tobacco  about  noon  of  the  fourth 
day,  and  encamped  for  the  night  some  six  miles  west  of  that 
place.  The  fifth  day  in  the  midst  of  a  cold  and  violent  snow 
storm,  we  encamped  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Liverpool 
Point,  or  Bluebank  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  a  point  on  the  Po 
tomac  nearly  opposite  Acquia  Creek. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  19 

On  the  morning  of  the  sixth  day  we  broke  camp  and  marched 
to  Bluebank,  where  we  were  detained  some  eight  hours  awaiting 
transportation ;  the  soldiers  during  that  time  being  exposed  to  a 
keen,  cold,  piercing  wind  which  swept  down  the  river  and  across 
the  plateau  where  they  halted. 

My  regiment  was  ferried  across  the  Potomac  about  six  o'clock 
Saturday  evening.  The  weather  was  extremely  cold,  and  the 
men  suffered  much  from  its  severity. 

From  Acquia  Creek,  where  we  landed,  we  marched  about  two 
miles,  and  encamped  in  a  ravine  well  sheltered  from  the  northerly 
winds,  but  filled  with  snow.  .  .  . 

In  this  encampment  we  remained  until  the  next  Tuesday  after 
noon,  when  we  moved  to  this  point,  reaching  here  Wednesday 
afternoon.  .  .  . 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  very  respectfully,  your  Excel 
lency's  obedient  servant, 

A.  F.  STEVENS, 

Colonel  Thirteenth  Regiment  N.  H.  Vols. 

His  EXCELLENCY  NATHANIEL  S.  BERRY, 
GOVERNOR  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

We  will  now  return  to  the  organization  of  our  regiment, 
its  brief  stay  at  Camp  Stevens,  its  departure  therefrom, 
our  journey  to  Washington  by  rail  and  boat,  our  march 
across  the  Potomac,  the  establishing  of  Camp  Chase,  the 
formidable  weapon  assigned  us,  namely,  the  old  Springfield 
smooth  bore,  with  its  deadly  outfit  of  ball  and  buckshot;  taking 
in  also  the  sights  and  scenes  coming  under  our  observation  from 
the  remarkably  fine  outlook  afforded  us  at  Camp  Casey,  near 
Fairfax  Seminary,  at  which  place  our  camp  was  established  Nov. 
2,  1862,  our  varied  duties  there;  how,  December  1st,  our  brigade 
broke  camp,  marched  to  Washington,  thence  along  the  Maryland 
side  of  the  Potomac  to  Liverpool  Point,  were  from  here  ferried 
across  the  river  to  Acquia  Creek,  and,  at  ten  p  M.,  December  6th, 
again  going  into  camp  on  Virginia  soil  under  conditions  wherein 
the  question  might  not  unnaturally  arise  "And  why  did  you  go 
for  a  soldier?" 

While  on  this  march,  who  of  us  will  cease  to  remember  the 
miserable  allowance  of  "mouldy  hard-tack"  and  the  impossibility 
of  procuring  anything  else  whatever  upon  which  to  satisfy  our 
hunger?  The  scarcity  of  live  stock  along  our  line  of  march  was, 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

after  due  investigation,  pronounced  as  something  remarkable; 
the  stealthy  tread  of  the  Lion,  even,  failed  to  surprise,  or  its 
roar  of  disappointment  startle  from  its  hiding,  the  coveted  prize. 
I  well  remember  coming  upon  a  squad  of  Company  F,  a  portion 
of  whom  were  on  the  lookout  for  Colonel  Browne,  who  had  issued 
strict  orders  against  foraging  along  our  line  of  march,  while  the 
balance  of  the  crowd  had  started  a  fire  upon  whose  smoking  em 
bers  a  very  small  animal,  with  very  long  bristles,  was  undergo 
ing  treatment  in  the  interests  of  roast  pig  for  breakfast;  but  a 
most  important  factor,  salt,  could  not  be  obtained  to  render  the 
dish  palatable;  the  expected  feast  gave  way  to  the  more  lively 
practice  of  the  gymnast,  as  under  the  impulse  of  disappoint 
ment,  and  the  vigorous  application  of  the  army  whang,  all  traces 
of  failure  went  scurrying  skyward,  while  the  altitude,  acquired 
by  certain  portions,  was  something  astonishing.  At  no  time  dur 
ing  our  term  of  service  were  we  compelled  to  subsist  on  such  con 
temptible  rations  as  were  issued  us  during  this  march,  and,  after 
a  continued  journey  of  six  days,  at  about  ten  p.  M.,  on  the  even 
ing  of  December  6th,  a  decision  to  halt,  if  only  for  a  day  or  two, 
was  extremely  gratifying  to  us.  In  the  meantime,  we  hoped 
that  our  commissary  might  have  a  chance  to  improve  our  condi 
tion,  as  our  dilapidated  stomachs  had  become  in  appearance 
identical  with  that  of  "Seth  Green's  Shad"  after  passing  through 
his  hands  in  the  interests  of  pisciculture. 

Here,  after  being  enveloped  in  smoke  for  about  forty  eight 
hours,  it  appeared  quite  certain  that  starvation,  asphyxiation, 
annihilation,  and  possibly  damnation  to  the  unregenerated,  was 
to  be  the  immediate  doom  of  the  regiment. 

However,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  the  clouds  of  smoke  par 
tially  rolled  away,  and,  as  the  beams  of  the  sun  illumined  our 
camp,  our  commissary  appeared  upon  the  scene.  With  what 
emotion  we  contemplated  the  expected  feast,  as  the  camp  kettles, 
filled  to  overflowing,  were  swung  upon  the  glowing  fires!  But 
presto,  change, — the  beat  of  the  drum,  the  hurried  commands, 
"pack  knapsacks,"  "fall  in", — rolled  sharp  upon  the  field ! 
Speedily  the  Twelfth  Regiment  is  again  in  motion ;  our  feast,  "so 
near,  and  yet  so  far."  Quickly  emerging  from  the  glowing  sur 
roundings  of  "Camp  Smoke,"  we  resume  our  march.  As  we 
stride  along,  our  thoughts  linger  but  briefly  over  our  bitter  dis- 


FRDERiCKSBUg 


SCALE 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  21 

appointment,  and  our  sudden  call  led  us  to  contemplate  other 
possibilities.  Under  the  friendly  shelter  of  the  trees,  whose  over 
hanging  branches,  in  our  imagination.,  look  down  upon  us  in  si 
lence  and  sympathy,  we  halt  for  the  night.  On  the  afternoon  of 
the  following  day,  we  descended  the  hills  towards  the  plains  of 
the  Kappahannock,  and  at  Claybourne's  Run,  at  the  foot  of  the 
hills,  on  the  evening  of  December  10th,  we  halted. 

Here,  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
was  fast  concentrating.  General  Burnside,  whose  headquarters 
were  at  the  Phillips  House,  about  a  mile  in  front  of  our  position, 
hastens  to  greet  our  colonel  as  an  old  friend  and  acquaintance, 
after  which  brief  interview  we  prepared  to  camp  for  the  night. 

Somewhere  about  eleven  p.  M.,  through  the  combined  efforts  of 
the  commissary  and  cook,  a  generous  allowance  of  hot  soup  was 
distributed,  only  to  be  secured,  however,  by  a  limited  number  of 
the  boys.  The  balance  of  the  regiment,  weary,  footsore  and  lame 
from  long-continued  marching,  had  pitched  their  tents  early,  un 
der  the  shelter  of  which  they  soon  became  oblivious  to  present 
surroundings  and  did  not  respond  to  the  call  for  rations. 

It  will  not  be  out  of  place  here  to  review  events  transpiring 
since  November  7th,  the  date  of  McClellan's  retirement,  and  of 
Burnside's  appointment  to  the  command  of  the  army. 

General  Burnside,  having  reluctantly  accepted  the  responsi 
bility,  quickly  decided  to  move  upon  Fredericksburg.  The  move 
ment  was  made  with  great  rapidity.  Burnside  only  failed  of 
seizing  the  place  through  the  non-arrival  of  the  pontoons  at  the 
time  appointed. 

Ijee,  occupying  the  town,  threw  up  his  earthworks  and  planted 
his  batteries.  In  the  meantime,  a  heavy  storm  set  in  which  still 
further  delayed  operations  on  the  part  of  our  army,  thus  giving 
Lee  an  opportunity  to  so  strengthen  his  wrorks  as  to  render  them 
well-nigh  impregnable  to  assault  from  the  direction  contemplated 
in  the  original  plan  of  General  Burnside. 

It  was  generally  supposed  that  the  army  would  go  into  winter 
quarters  now,  while  the  press  of  the  country  pronounced  the 
campaign  at  an  end. 

Here,  alongside  the  Seventh  Rhode  Island,  on  a  gravelly  knoll 
or  bluff,  at  the  foot  of  which  the  clear  waters  of  Claybourne's 
Run  shallow  as  they  broaden  and  ripple  across  the  highway,  and 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

over  which  stream  we  were  destined  to  march  and  countermarch 
so  many,  many  times,  with  ever  lessening  numbers, — here,  incor 
porated  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and  at  the  immediate  front, 
hurriedly  we  pitched  our  tents  and  awaited  developments. 

The  people  of  the  North  were  greatly  discouraged  that  our 
splendidly  equipped  army,  from  which  so  much  was  expected, 
should  have  accomplished  so  little.  Chafing  under  the  general 
ill-feeling  prevailing,  Congress  demanded  that  Burnside  should 
move  somewhere.  Neither  the  public,  the  politician  nor  the  war 
department  would  consent  to  his  going  into  winter  quarters. 
No  alternative  remained  for  General  Burnside  except  to  devise 
a  new  plan.  He  had  already  obtained  correct  information  of 
the  position  held  by  General  Lee,  who  occupied  Fredericksburg, 
and  whose  advance  columns,  along  the  river  in  front  of  the  city, 
lay  strongly  entrenched;  while  the  main  body  of  his  army  occu 
pied  the  heights  in  the  rear  of  the  city  and  the  hills  upon  either 
side, 'the  line  of  his  main  defences  running  parallel  with  the 
river  from  opposite  Falmouth  to  a  point  some  two  and  a  half 
miles  below  the  city.  The  right  and  left  defences  of  Lee's  army 
occupied  positions  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  banks  of  the 
Rappahannock,  while  the  line  gradually  receding  at  Deep  Run 
(where  Jackson's  and  Longstreet's  corps  intersected,  forming  the 
centre  of  the  rebel  army),  the  distance  from  the  river  was  about 
a  mile  and  a  quarter.  At  the  rear  of  the  centre,  on  the  Rich 
mond  road,  General  Lee  had  established  his  headquarters. 

Deep  Run,  an  almost  impassable  ravine,  separated  Jackson's 
corps  from  Longstreet's,  but  General  Lee  caused  a  road  to  be 
constructed  through  the  woods  and  across  the  ravine  by  which 
troops  could  be  readily  marched  to  the  right  or  left,  as  might  be 
necessary. 

Judging  that  Lee  did  not  expect  him  to  cross  the  river  opposite 
Fredericksburg,  but  lower  down,  Burnside  decided  to  bridge  the 
Rappahannock  directly  opposite  the  town,  as  well  as  below,  and 
make  a  desperate  push  to  obtain  possession  of  the  road  men 
tioned  above,  thus  dividing  Lee's  army.  This  plan  was  consid 
ered  and  accepted  by  a  council  of  officers  December  10th. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  23 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  103.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

November  22,  1862. 

GENERAL:  By  reference  to  my  plan  of  operations  submitted 
by  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,  it  will  be  found  that  one  of 
the  necessary  parts  of  that  plan  was  to  have  started  from  Wash 
ington  at  once  pontoon  trains  sufficient  to  span  the  Kappahan- 
nock  at  Frederiekstrarg  twice,  and  I  was  assured  that  at  least 
one  train  would  leave  as  soon  as  the  General-in-Chief  and  Gen. 
Meigs  returned.  .  .  . 

It  is  very  clear  that  my  object  was  to  make  the  move  to  Fred 
ericksburg  very  rapidly,  and  to  throw  a  heavy  force  across  the 
river  before  the  enemy  could  concentrate  a  force  to  oppose  the 
crossing,  and  supposed  the  pontoon  train  would  arrive  at  this 
place  nearly  simultaneously  with  the  head  of  the  column.  Had 
that  been  the  case,  the  whole  of  General  Simmer's  column— 
33,000  strong — would  have  crossed  into  Fredericksburg  at  once 
over  a  pontoon  bridge,  in  front  of  a  city  filled  wth  families  of 
rebel  officers,  and  sympathizers  with  the  rebel  cause,  and  gar 
risoned  by  a  small  squadron  of  cavalry  and  a  battery  of  artillery 
which  Gen.  Simmer  silenced  within  an  hour  after  his  arrival. 

Had  the  pontoon  bridge  arrived  even  on  the  19th  or  20th,  the 
army  could  have  crossed  with  trifling  opposition.  But  now  the 
oppo,site  side  of  the  river  is  occupied  by  a  large  rebel  force  under 
General  Longstreet  with  batteries  ready  to  be  placed  in  position 
to  operate  against  the  working  parties  building  the  bridge,  and 
the  troops  in  crossing.  .  ,  . 

The  wTork  of  the  quartermaster's  and  commissary  departments 
at  Acquia  Creek  or  Belle  Plain  has  been  most  completely  accom 
plished,  and  I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  every  effort  has  not 
been  made  to  carry  out  the  other  parts  of  the  plan ;  but  I  must, 
in  honesty  and  candor,  say  that  I  cannot  feel  that  the  move  indi 
cated  in  my  plan  of  operations  will  be  successful  after  two  very 
important  parts  of  the  plan  have  not  been  carried  out, — no  mat 
ter  for  what  reason. 

The  President  said  that  the  movement  in  order  to  be  success 
ful  must  be  made  quickly,  and  I  thought  the  same. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  ser 
vant, 

A.  E.  BUBNSIDE. 
GEN.  G.  W.  CULLUM, 

Chief  of  Staff,  Washington,  D.  C. 


24  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  61.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

Dec.  9,  1862,  4.05  A.  M. 

In  accordance  with  your  directions  I  send  you  copies  of  orders 
issued  which  I  hope  will  be  satisfactory.  I  will  send  you  a  more 
definite  dispatch  after  my  interview  with  the  commanders  of 
grand  divisions  to-day. 

Our  movements  have  been  very  much  embarrassed  by  the  cold 
weather,  but  we  still  hope  for  success.  The  gunboats  will  not 
be  able  to  assist  us  in  consequence  of  the  ice  in  the  river ;  in  fact, 
it  is  feared  that  they  may  now  be  frozen  in  at  a  point  some  thirty 
miles  below  here.  The  harbor  at  Belle  Plain  was  frozen  over 
this  morning.  The  men  suffer  very  much  from  the  cold,  but  the 
sick  list  is  not  very  largely  increasing.  I  hope  to  make  the  at 
tempt  to  cross  on  Thursday  morning  at  daybreak,  with  chances 
of  success  in  our  favor. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 
Major-General  Commanding  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

MAJ.-GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK, 

Gen  era  l-in  -  Chief,  Washington. 

In   the   distribution   of   regiments,   the   Twelfth,   through    the 
efforts  of  Colonel  Sayles,  of  the  Seventh  Rhode  Island,  was  brig 
aded  with  the  Seventh,  in  the  First  Brigade,  General  Nagle ;  Sec 
ond  Division,  General  Sturgis;  Ninth  Army  Corps,  General  Will 
cox,  in  General  Sumner's  Grand  Division. 

Preparations  were  made  that  night  for  crossing  the  river.  The 
artillery  took  their  position  along  the  bank.  Orders  were  issued 
to  the  troops  to  be  in  readiness.  A  brigade  of  engineers  was  or 
dered  down  to  the  river.  Soon  after  dark  the  brigade,  with  its 
long  train  of  boats,  came  rumbling  down  the  Stafford  Hills. 
Boats  sufficient  for  two  bridges  halted  near  the  railroad ;  enough 
for  two  more  continued  one-third  of  a  mile  down  stream  opposite 
the  lower  end  of  the  town,  while  the  remainder  of  the  boats  were 
carried  a  mile  and  a  half  still  further  down. 

Sumner  and  Hooker  were  to  use  those  opposite  the  town,  while 
Franklin's  troops  were  to  cross  on  those  below.  To  protect  the 
engineers  in  their  work,  a  brigade  of  troops  was  ordered  out. 


SURGEON  KENONI  CARPENTER. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  25 

Beside  their  guns  the  artillerymen  stood  ready  to  open  fire  if  the 
rebels  opposed  them.  The  engineers  removed  the  boats  from 
the  wagons,  and,  anchoring  them  one  by  one  in  the  stream,  com 
menced  laying  the  timbers  and  planks.  By  daybreak,  on  the 
morning  of  the  llth,  the  bridges  were  nearly  completed.  A  dense 
fog  prevailed,  which  concealed  operations. 

The  Eighth  Florida  Regiment  of  Perry's  brigade,  and  the 
Seventeenth  and  Eighteenth  Mississippi  of  Barksdale's  brigade, 
were  on  picket  along  the  river,  while  the  Third  Georgia,  and  the 
Thirteenth  and  Twenty-first  Mississippi,  were  in  reserve  in  the 
town. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  64.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

Dec.  9,  1862,  11.30  P.  M. 

GENERAL:  All  the  orders  have  been  issued  to  the  several  com 
manders  of  grand  divisions  and  heads  of  departments  for  an  at 
tempt  to  cross  the  river  Thursday  morning.  The  plans  of  the 
movement  are  somewhat  modified  by  the  movements  of  the  en 
emy,  who  have  been  concentrating  in  large  force  opposite  a  point 
at  which  we  originally  intended  to  cross.  I  think  now  that  the 
enemy  will  be  more  surprised  by  a  crossing  immediately  in  our 
front  than  in  any  other  point  of  the  river.  The  commanders  of 
grand  divisions  coincide  with  me  in  this  opinion,  and  I  have  ac 
cordingly  ordered  the  movement  which  will  enable  us  to  keep 
the  force  well  concentrated,  at  the  same  time  covering  our  com 
munications  ir  the  rear.  .  .  . 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Maj. - G en.  Co mmandin g . 
GENERAL  G.  W.  CULLUM, 

Chief  of  Staff,  Washington. 

Lee  expected  an  advance  of  the  Union  army.  His  commands 
were  given  "to  be  especially  vigilant.''  The  sentinels  along  the 
river  through  the  long  winter  night  peered  into  the  darkness, 
listening  to  catch  the  meaning  of  the  confused  hum  as  it  floated 
to  them  across  the  stream. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth,  at  five  o'clock,  the  deep  and  heavy 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

roar  of  the  signal  guns,  rolling  along  the  valley  and  reverberat 
ing  from  hill  to  hill,  roused  the  sleepers  of  both  armies. 

The  crossing  was  not  to  be  a  surprise;  the  rebels  were  ready 
for  battle.  At  daybreak,  the  rebel  pickets  along  the  river  opened 
fire.  The  rattling  of  their  musketry  was  immediately  followed 
by  the  roar  from  our  batteries,  as  grape  and  canister  were  hurled 
across  the  stream.  At  the  lower  bridges  the  rebel  pickets  were 
compelled  to  retire,  and  the  engineers  completed  their  work.  But 
at  the  upper  bridges  the  resistance  of  the  rebels  was  such  that, 
notwithstanding  the  most  heroic  efforts  of  the  builders,  it  was 
found  impossible  to  land  the  bridge  upon  the  opposite  shore. 

The  Mississippi  sharpshooters,  taking  shelter  in  the  buildings, 
poured  a  continuous  and  deadly  fire  upon  them.  Nearly  every 
soldier  who  attempted  to  carry  out  a  plank,  fell.  "The  bridges 
must  be  completed,"  said  General  Burnside.  Again  the  brave 
engineers  attempted  it.  The  fog  still  hung  over  the  river.  From 
the  northern  bank  only  the  flashes  of  the  rifles  could  be  seen  on 
the  other  shore.  Our  gunners,  posted  on  the  bluff  opposite  the 
town,  could  only  fire  at  random,  but  with  such  rapidity  that  the 
engineers  were  able  to  carry  the  bridge  to  within  seventy  or 
eighty  feet  of  the  opposite  shore,  when  the  fire  uf  the  rebels  be 
came  so  deadly  in  turn  that  it  was  simply  murder  to  send  men 
out  with  a  plank. 

The  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  in  the  meantime,  rest 
ing  at  Claybourne's  Run  about  one  mile  from  the  Rappahannoek. 
not  so  far  exhausted  as  to  be  oblivious  to  all  things  transpiring, 
had  revolved  in  their  minds  the  probabilities  of  soon  encounter 
ing  something  more  startling  even  than  frost,  smoke  or  starva 
tion,  and  when  at  five  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  llth  the  re 
port  of  Lee's  signal  guns  came  rolling  across  the  valley  of  the 
river,  although  a  few  of  the  regiment,  not  fully  conscious  of  the 
situation,  might  be  prompted  to  inquire  "Where  am  I  at?"  it 
was  soon  evident  to  all  that  something  would  have  to  be  attended 
to,  in  which  the  Twelfth  would  doubtless  be  invited  to  partici 
pate. 

At  about  nine  A  M.  we  received  twenty  extra  rounds  of  ammu 
nition;  were  ordered  to  place  our  knapsacks  and  extra  luggage 
in  a  pile,  and,  with  tent  and  blanket,  musket  and  equipments, 
place  ourselves  in  line,  shortly  after  which,  the  regiment,  taking 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  27 

the  highway  to  Fredericksburg,  crossing  the  run  and  proceeding 
a  short  distance,  gained  the  level  of  the  plains  opposite  the  town. 
We  here  left  the  road,  filed  to  the  right,  joined  our  brigade,  rested 
upon  our  arms  at  a  distance  of  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  point  of  slaughter  below  the  bluff,  and  awaited  the 
completion  of  the  bridge. 

General  Burnside's  headquarters  were  at  the  Phillips  House, 
a  short  distance  from  us  to  the  right  of  our  position,  with  the 
Lacey  House  a  half  mile  in  advance  of  us  to  the  left,  and  upon 
the  bluff  overlooking  the  river. 

I  will  now  quote  from  C.  C.  Coffin,  correspondent  of  the  Bos 
ton  Journal,  who  was  present  at  Burnside's  headquarters  and 
whose  report  relates  to  what  was  taking  place  while  we  were 
resting  on  our  arms  at  the  Phillips  House.  This  is  what  he 
says: 

"At  half-past  nine  General  Burnside  stood  on  the  piazza,  of  the 
Phillips  House,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  pontoons. 
General  Suniner  and  General  Hooker  were  there.  Aids  and  cou 
riers  came  and  went  with  messages  and  orders.  'My  bridge  is 
completed  and  I  am  ready  to  cross'  was  Franklin's  message  from 
below  at  half  past  nine.  'You  must  wait  until  the  upper  bridge 
is  completed/  was  the  reply  to  Franklin. 

"Two  hours  passed,  a  half-dozen  attempts  were  made  to  com 
plete  the  upper  bridge,  without  success.  Brave  men,  not  belong 
ing  to  the  engineers,  came  down  to  the  bank  and  volunteered 
their  services,  seized  planks  and  boards,  ran  out  upon  the  bridge, 
only  to  fall  before  the  sharpshooters  concealed  in  the  cellars  of 
the  houses,  not  ten  rods  distant.  Captain  Brainard,  of  the  Fif 
tieth  New  York,  volunteered  to  finish  the  nearly  completed  work. 
They  went  out  upon  the  run ;  five  fell  at  one  volley,  and  the  rest 
returned.  Captain  Perkins,  of  the  same  regiment,  led  another 
party.  He  fell  with  a  ghastly  wound  in  his  neck.  Half  of  his 
men  were  killed  or  wounded,  their  blood  turning  crimson  the 
turbid  waters  of  the  Kappahannock. 

"General  Burnside  had  no  desire  to  injure  the  town,  but,  under 
the  usage  of  war,  he  had  a  right  to  bombard  it,  for  the  rebels  had 
concealed  themselves  in  houses,  making  use  of  them  to  slaughter 
his  men.  'Bring  all  your  guns  to  bear  upon  the  city  and  batter 
it  down/  was  the  order  issued  to  General  Hunt,  chief  of  artil- 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ler.v.  Colonel  Hays  had  eight  batteries  on  the  right.  Colonel 
Thompson  had  eleven  batteries  on  the  right  centre,  opposite  the 
upper  pontoons,  some  of  them  in  the  yard  of  Mr.  Lacy's  house. 
Colonel  Tyler  had  seven  batteries  a  little  farther  down  on  the 
left  centre,  while  Captain  DeRussey  had  seven  batteries  opposite 
the  lower  pontoons. 

"There  were  in  all  thirty-five  batteries,  with  a  total  of  one  hun 
dred  and  seventy-nine  guns,  all  bearing  upon  the  town.  The  ar 
tillerymen  received  orders  to  prepare  for  action  with  a  hurrah. 
They  had  chafed  all  the  morning  and  longed  for  an  opportunity 
to  avenge  their  fallen  comrades.  The  hour  had  come.  They 
sprang  to  their  pieces.  The  fire  ran  from  right  to  left,  from  the 
heavy  twenty- four  pounders  on  the  heights  of  Falmouth  to  the 
smaller  pieces  on  the  hills  where  Washington  passed  his  boy 
hood.  The  earth  shook  beneath  the  terrific  explosions  of  shells 
which  went  howling  over  the  river,  crashing  into  houses,  batter 
ing  down  walls,  splintering  doors  and  ripping  up  floors.  Sixty 
solid  shot  and  shells  a  minute  were  thrown  and  the  bombard 
ment  was  kept  up,  until  nine  thousand  were  fired.  No  hot  shot 
were  used,  but  the  explosion  set  fire  to  a  block  of  buildings, 
which  added  terrible  grandeur  to  the  scene. 

uThe  rebel  army  stood  upon  the  heights  beyond  the  town  and 
watched  the  operations.  Lee's  artillery  was  silent,  and  the  Mis- 
sissippians,  concealed  in  the  houses,  were  alone  in  the  contest. 
The  fog  lifted  at  last  and  revealed  the  town.  The  streets  were 
deserted,  but  the  houses,  the  church  steeples  and  the  stores  were 
riddled  with  shot,  yet  no  impression  had  been  made  on  the  Mis 
sissippians.  Burnside's  artillerymen  could  not  depress  their 
pieces  sufficiently  to  shell  them  out.  A  working  party  went  out 
upon  the  bridge  but  one  after  another  was  killed  or  wounded. 

"The  time  had  come  for  a  bold  movement.  It  was  plain  that  a 
party  must  go  over  in  boats,  charge  up  the  hill,  and  rout  them 
from  their  hiding  places.  Who  would  go?  Who  would  attempt 
the  hazardous  enterprise?  Hall's  brigade,  standing  on  the  bank 
by  the  Lacy  House,  had  watched  the  proceedings  during  the 
long  hours.  They  were  accustomed  to  hard  fighting.  This  brig 
ade  was  composed  of  the  Seventh  Michigan,  Nineteenth  and 
Twentieth  Massachusetts  and  Forty-second  New  York.  They  had 
fought  at  Fair  Oaks,  Savage  Station,  Glendaie,  Malvern  Hill  and 


CROSSING  THE  RIVER  IN  PONTOON?. 

Copyright  1884-1888  by  The  Century  Co. 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  29 

Antietani.     The  Twentieth   had  been   in   all   these  battles  and 
were  also  at  Ball's  Bluff.     "We  will  go  over  and  clean  out  the 
rebels,"  was  the  cry  of  this  brigade.     "You  shall  have  the  privi 
lege,"  said  General  Burnside.     There  were  not  boats  enough  for 
all, — not    enough    for    one    regiment    even.     A    portion    of    the 
Seventh  Michigan  wTas  selected  to  go  first,  while  the  other  regi 
ments  stood  as  a  supporting  force.     The  men  run  down  the  path 
to  the  water's  edge,  jump   into   the  boats,   and  push  into  the 
stream.     It  is  a  moment  of  intense  excitement.     No  one  knows 
how  large  is  the  force  opposing  them.     The  rebel  sharpshooters 
are   watching  the   movements   from   their   hiding   places.     They 
have  a  fair  view  and  can  pick  their  men.     The  men  in  the  boats 
know  it,  but  they  move  steadily  onward,  steering  straight  across 
the  stream,  without  a  thought   of  turning  back,   though   their 
comrades  are  falling,  some  headlong  into  the  river,  and  others 
dropping  into  the  boats.     The  oarsmen  pull  with  rapid  strokes. 
When  one  falls,  another  takes  his  place.     Two-thirds  the  dis 
tance  over  the  boats  ground  in  shoal  water.     The  soldiers  wait 
for  no  word  of  command,  but,  with  a  common  impulse,  with  an 
ardor  which  stops  not  to  count  the  cost,  they  leap  into  the  water, 
wade  to  the  shore,  and  rush  up  the  slippery  slope.     A  loud  hur 
rah  rings  out  from  the  soldiers  who  watch  them  from  the  Fal- 
inouth  shore.     Up,  up,  they  go,  facing  death,  fearing  not,  in 
tent  only  to  get  at  the  foe,  and  win  victory  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet.     They  smash  the  windows,  batter  down  doors,  driving 
or  capturing  the  foe.     Loud  and  hearty  are  the  cheers  of  the 
regiments  on  the  opposite  shore.     When  the  bridge  builders  saw 
the  soldiers  charge  up  the  hill,  they  too,  caught  the  enthusiasm 
of  the  moment  and  finished  the  bridge.     The  other  regiments  of 
the  brigade  before  the  last  planks  were  laid,  rushed  down,  ran 
out  upon  the  bridge,  dashed  up  the  bank,  joined  their  comrades, 
and  drove  the  rebels  from  the  streets  nearest  the  river." 

History  furnishes  but  few  records  of  more  daring  exploits 
than  this  sketch  of  the  Seventh  Michigan.  Their  work  was 
thorough  and  complete.  In  fifteen  minutes  they  cleared  the 
houses  in  front  of  them  and  took  more  prisoners  than  their  own 
party  numbered. 

It  was  now  half-past  four  in  the  afternoon,  one  of  the  shortest 


30  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

days  of  winter.     The  sun  was  going  down.   ^The  rebels  had  de 
layed  the  crossing  through  the  entire  day. 

The  other  brigades  of  General  Howard's  division  moved  across 
the  river.  The  rebel  batteries,  which  till  now  had  kept  silent, 
opened  furiously  with  solid  shot  and  shell,  but  the  troops  moved 
steadily  over  and  took  shelter  under  and  along  the  river  bank. 
The  rebels  were  falling  back  from  street  to  street,  and  the  men 
from  Michigan  and  Massachusetts  were  pursuing.  Far  up  the 
streets  there  were  bright  flashes  from  the  muskets  of  the  rebels, 
who  fired  from  cellar,  chamber  windows,  and  other  sheltered 
places. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  64.] 

Dec.  11,  1862,  6.30  p.  M. 
(Received  7.40  p.  M.) 

GENERAL:  Our  troops  now  occupy  Fredericksburg.  We  hare 
two  bridges  opposite  the  town,  and  two  below,  with  a  force  on 
the  opposite  bank  covering  them.  I  expect  to  cross  the  rest  of 
my  command  to-morrow. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 
MAJOR-GEN.  HALLECK. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  64  and  65.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OP  THE  POTOMAC, 

December  11,  1862,  7.45  p.  M. 
(Received  8.45  p.  M.) 

.  .  .  Fredericksburg  is  occupied  by  a  division  of  our  troops, 
and  I  hope  to  have  the  main  body  of  our  force  over  early  to-mor 
row.  Our  loss  is  very  slight. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General  Commanding. 
MAJ.-GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK. 

Nearer  moved  the  dark  masses  of  men  in  blue,  who  gave  quick 
volleys  as  they  marched  steadily  on,  demolishing  doors,  crushing 
in  windows  and  searching  every  hiding  place.  Cannons  were 
flaming  on  all  the  hills,  and  the  whole  country  was  all  aflame 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  31 

with,  the  camp-fires  of  the  two  great  armies.  The  Stafford  Hills 
were  alive  with  men,  regiments,  brigades  and  divisions,  moving 
in  columns  from  their  encampments  to  ccoss  the  river.  The  sky 
was  without  a  cloud.  The  town  was  lighted  by  lurid  flames. 
The  air  was  full  of  hissing,  the  sharp  cutting  sound  of  the  leaden 
rain.  The  great,  twenty-pound  guns  on  the  heights  of  Falmouth 
were  roaring  the  while.  There  were  shouts,  hurrahs,  yells  and 
groans  from  the  streets.  So  the  fight  went  on,  until  the  rebels 
were  driven  wholly  from  the  town  to  their  entrenchments  be 
yond. 

In  the  meantime  our  brigades,  which  had  rested  on  their  arms 
near  General  Sumner's  quarters  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  late 
in  the  afternoon  were  ordered  to  return,  occupy  their  camp  of 
the  night  before  and  wait  for  further  orders. 

.     .     .     The  pale-faced  moon  looks  bloody  on  the  earth, 

And  lean  look'd  prophets  whisper  fearful  change.     .     .     . 

RICHARD  II. 

Here  on  the  night  of  the  llth  of  December  we  again  pitched 
our  tents  under  the  shelter  of  which  we  stretched  our  weary 
limbs,  and,  as  the  events  of  the  day  rapidly  passed  in  review,  for- 
getfulness  stole  upon  the  senses,  anxious  thoughts  were  dispelled 
by  refreshing  sleep  and  the  night  sped  away. 

Again  in  light  marching  order,  the  early  morning  of  the  12th 
finds  us  in  line  and  under  orders  to  move  at  once.  On  the  south 
ern  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  foothold  having  been  secured,  the 
army  crossed  the  river.  With  the  rest  of  our  brigade,  the 
Twelfth  was  speedily  underway.  Crossing  the  run,  we  came 
again  upon  the  level  plain  and  taking  the  same  course  as  on  the 
day  before,  passed  General  Sumner's  quarters,  to  whose  grand 
division  we  belonged. 

The  general  stood  on  the  piazza  of  the  Phillips  House  as  we 
marched  past,  his  snow  white  head  uncovered,  presenting  a  strik 
ing  figure, — by  most  of  us  to  be  remembered  as  the  first  and  only 
opportunity  we  were  to  have  to  see  the  venerable  general  whose 
advanced  age  compelled  his  retirement  from  active  service 
shortly  afterwards. 

On  the  extreme  edge  of  the  plain,  in  the  direction  in  which  we 
were  marching  and  to  the  front  and  left  of  us,  the  Lacy  House, 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

a  fine  old  mansion  with  its  numerous  out-buildings,  occupied  a 
position  from  which  an  extended  view  could  be  had  of  the  sur 
rounding  country.  Tlje  point  on  the  bluff,  where  this  fine  old 
historic  mansion  was  situated,  is  elevated  one  hundred  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  river,  at  about  the  same  elevation  as  the  hills  in 
the  rear  of  the  town, — one  mile  from  the  river  where  Lee  had 
planted  his  batteries. 

Across  the  river  directly  opposite  the  Lacy  House,  not  more 
than  one-third  of  a  mile  "as  the  crow  flies,"  and  at  an  average 
height  from  the  level  of  the  river  of  about  fifty  feet,  lay  the  old 
sleepy  town  of  Fredericksburg. 

At  the  Lacy  House  General  Simmer  took  position  while  his 
divisions  were  engaged  in  the  assault  upon  the  heights,  and  from 
that  point  directed  operations.  Opposite,  and  for  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  towards  Falmouth,  above  the  Lacy  House,  the  bluff  descend 
ing  to  the  river  is  remarkably  steep,  the  general  outline  only 
broken  at  one  place  by  a  ravine,  along  the  sides  of  which  the  de 
scent  to  the  river  could  be  somewhat  facilitated.  To  tins  ravine 
the  regiment  directed  its  course,  and  also  on  this  point  Lee's  gun 
ners  had  trained  their  pieces.  Under  their  fire  we  entered  the 
ravine  and  speedily  made  our  way  to  the  foot  of  the  hill,  then 
taking  the  "right  oblique''  a  few  rods  across  a  comparatively 
level  space,  we  reached  the  pontoons  and  crossed  the  river  where 
the  day  before  such  determined  resistance  was  made  by  the  reb 
els  to  delay  or  prevent  the  completion  of  the  bridge.  This  bridge 
was  laid  exactly  in  line  with  what  is  now  called  Fourteenth 
Street,  and  up  the  slippery,  steep  ascent  of  this  unimproved,  un 
graded  opening,  we  scrambled.  Our  course  along  Fourteenth 
Street  lay  directly  towards  the  enemy  occupying  the  heights  be 
yond  the  rear  of  the  town.  About  five  hundred  feet  from  the 
river  this  street  crosses  Caroline  Street  (now  B  Street).  Filing 
to  the  left,  we  entered  this,  the  principal  street  of  the  town,  and 
here,  alongside  this  thoroughfare,  partly  sheltered  from  the  tire 
of  the  enemy,  we  rested  on  our  arms  and  waited  further  orders. 
this  portion  of  the  town  suffered  severely  during  the  shelling  of 
the  place  the  day  before  as  the  fire,  from  our  batteries  across  the 
river,  was  directed  to  this  point;  there  also  the  sharpshooters, 
after  being  driven  from  the  buildings  nearest  the  river,  contested 
the  advance  of  our  troops,  and  only  through  the  pressure  of  over- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  33 

powering  numbers,  they  finally  retreated  to  the  shelter  of  their 
entrenchments  beyond  the  town.  "Eight  into  the  jaws  of  death" 
rushed  the  first  detachment  of  the  Seventh  Michigan,  whose  he 
roic  efforts  rendered  it  possible  to  complete  the  bridge. 

OFFICIAL  EECOBDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  65.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OP  THE  POTOMAC, 

Dec.  12,  1862. 
(Received  4.45  P.  M.) 

Our  forces  are  crossing  the  river,  and  thus  far  without  opposi 
tion. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-  General. 

This  precipitated  the  final  struggle  for  the  possession  of  the 
town,  the  evidence  of  which,  in  some  measure,  we  now  had  leisure 
to  contemplate.  Within  forty  feet  of  my  place  in  the  ranks,  the 
lifeless  remains  of  two  of  the  rebels  lay  exposed  to  view;  the  one 
nearest  me  having  had  the  top  of  his  head,  just  above  his  eyes, 
squarely  taken  off;  a  grim  messenger  from  our  artillery  being 
doubtless  the  transforming  agent.  Inside  a  small  enclosure,  at 
the  corner  of  Caroline  and  Fourteenth  Streets,  could  be  seen  a 
newly  excavated  trench,  alongside  of  which  sixteen  of  our  sol 
diers  lay  in  a  row,  cold  and  still  in  death,  awaiting  burial.  The 
thought  came  upon  the  writer  as  he  gazed  upon  this  mournful 
scene,  of  the  loved  ones  at  home  waiting,  watching  and  praying 
for  the  safe  return  of  these  same  men,  whom,  in  the  dispensation 
of  a  mysterious  Providence,  they  would  never  more  see  on  earth, 
and  he  turned  away  from  the  saddening  spectacle  to  become  ac 
quainted  with  other  features  of  this  cruel  war. 

The  writer  had  left  the  ranks  to  examine  still  more  closely  our 
surroundings,  when  a  more  rapid  fire  from  the  enemy  warned 
him  to  return.  The  shells  were  exploding  about  us,  and  he 
found  the  regiment  already  moving  down  the  street  and  taking 
position  in  a  less  exposed  situation.  Here  we  remained,  and, 
without  shelter,  except  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  took  lodg 
ings  in  and  alongside  the  street.  Loose  boards  in  the  neighbor 
hood  and  an  outfit  of  straw,  secured  by  a  little  foraging,  com 
pleted  the  preparations  for  the  night. 

3 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  following  morning  an  issue  of  three  days'  rations,  the 
early  alignment  of  our  regiment,  a  movement  (by  the  left  front) 
along  Caroline  Street,  a  wheel  into  and  down  A  Street  to  the 
lower  end  of  the  town,  a  halt  and  alignment  along  with  other- 
regiments  of  our  brigade  already  in  position,  waiting  and  ex 
pectant, — all  led  us  to  realize  that  we  were  here  for  a  purpose 
not  altogether  pleasant  to  contemplate,  and  that  the  13th  of 
December,  1862,  would  doubtless  be  an  eventful  day  in  our  his 
tory. 

Our  position  here  was  just  below  the  railroad  bridge  crossing 
the  Rappahannock,  on  what  is  now  called  A  Street  (the  street 
nearest  tlie  river),  and  running  parallel  with  it  and  along  a  steep 
grade  known  by  the  townsmen  as  the  "Rocky  Hill  Road,"  a  short 
distance  above  the  old  steamboat  landing. 

Our  regiment  rested  in  line  along  this  grade  facing  the  river 
and  under  the  shelter  of  a  steep  bluff,  which,  to  protect  the  road 
way,  was  partly  faced  by  a  substantial  stone  wall.  As  we 
ranged  ourselves  along  the  steep  grade  at  the  base  of  this  wall, 
we  found  ourselves  fairly  well  sheltered  from  the  occasional  shell 
sent  our  way  to  prevent  the  rebuilding  of  the  railroad  bridge  on 
which  progress  was  being  made,  a  short  distance  to  the  left  of 
our  position.  Directly  across  the  street,  distant  from  us  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  or  thereabouts,  and  along  the  river  front, 
the  Irish  Brigade,  so-called,  commanded  by  Gen.  Thomas  P. 
Meagher,  held  position,  waiting  orders.  This  brigade  had  seen 
hard  and  continuous  service  under  its  gallant  leader,  and  al 
though  representing  the  Sixty-third,  Sixty-ninth  and  Eighty- 
eighth  New  York,  the  Twenty-eighth  Massachusetts  and  the  One 
Hundred  and  Sixteenth  Pennsylvania,  at  this  time  had  only 
twelve  hundred  effective  men  to  bring  into  action. 

It  was  assigned  to  French's  and  Hancock's  divisions  of  the 
Second  Corps,  and  Sturgis's  division  of  the  Ninth,  to  move 
across  the  open  fields  in  the  rear  of  the  town  and  attack  the 
heights.  General  French  was  assigned  the  right,  General  Han 
cock  the  centre,  and  General  Sturgis  the  left.  This  line,  the  Sec 
ond  Corps,  General  Couch  on  the  right,  and  Willcox's,  the  Ninth, 
on  the  left,  extended  from  the  Mary  Washington  monument,  at 
the  upper  end  of  the  town,  to  Deep  Run,  beyond  the  lower  end, 
there  connecting  with  Franklin's  divisions. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  35 

Our  regiment  was  massed  in  Sturgis's  division,  which  was  com 
posed  of  two  brigades;  General  Nagle's  containing  the  Sixth,  and 
Ninth  New  Hampshire,  the  Seventh  and  Twelfth  Rhode  Island, 
the  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  and  the  Second  Maryland;  Gen 
eral  Ferrero's  containing  the  Twenty-first  and  Thirty-fifth  Mas 
sachusetts,  the  Eleventh  New  Hampshire,  the  Fifty-first  Penn 
sylvania  and  the  Fifty-first  New  York.  While  the  Second  and 
Ninth  Corps  crossed  the  upper  pontoons  and  were  now  occupy 
ing  the  city,  the  First  and  Sixth  corps,  under  Franklin,  had 
crossed  at  the  lower  bridge  and  were  moving  into  position  where 
shelter  could  be  found  from  the  artillery  fire  of  the  rebels.  The 
main  attack  was  to  be  made  by  General  Franklin's  divisions. 
He  had  his  own  command  numbering  40,000.  Stoneman  was 
moving  to  his  support  with  20,000,  while  Butterfield,  with  the 
Fifth  Corps,  could  be  called  up  to  aid,  if  needed.  Opposite  the 
city,  across  the  plain,  on  the  rebel  left,  in  front  of  Sturgis's  posi 
tion,  was  Longstreet's  corps,  with  Anderson's  division  on  Stain- 
bury  Hill,  and  Ransom's  division  on  Marye's  Hill  directly  in  the 
rear  of  the  town.  Two  roads  run  up  the  hill  from  the  town  to 
the  west ;  the  Gordonsville  plank  road,  and  the  Orange  turnpike. 
Mr.  Marye's  house  stands  between  them  upon  the  hill,  a  fine 
brick  dwelling  with  beautiful  lawn  sloping  towards  the  city. 
From  the  roof  of  this  mansion  General  Longstreet  could  see 
what  was  going  on  in  the  Union  lines.  He  could  see  the  troops 
gathering  in  the  streets  of  the  city  and  the  dark  masses,  under 
Franklin,  two  miles  away  to  his  right  moving  out  past  the  Ber 
nard  House,  and  also  Stoneman  moving  down  the  Falmouth 
Hills.  At  the  foot  of  the  hill  he  could  see  his  own  soldiers  shel 
tered  behind  a  stone  wall  along  the  old  telegraph  road,  which  is 
dug  like  a  canal  into  the  side  of  the  hill.  It  was  a  sheltered  po 
sition  where  their  rifles  and  muskets  could  sweep  the  level  plain 
towards  the  town.  Around  Marye's  House,  behind  earthworks, 
his  heaviest  cannon  and  howitzers  were  in  position.  The  Wash 
ington  Artillery,  which  fought  at  Bull  Run,  through  all  the  bat 
tles  on  the  Peninsula  and  at  Antietam,  was  there. 

It  was  just  nine  o'clock  when  Meade  moved  from  his  position 
near  the  Bernard  House ;  crossing  the  ravine  which  comes  down 
from  the  hills  dividing  the  Bernard  and  Smithfield  estates  and 
continuing  on  to  the  old  Richmond  road,  was  then  obliged  to 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

halt,  and  wait  for  his  artillery  to  pass,  while  the  pioneers  then 
under  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  bridged  ditches,  cut  away 
hedges,  etc.,  thus  enabling  the  artillery  to  reach  assigned  posi 
tion,  where,  on  a  knoll  to  the  left  of  the  First  Brigade,  the  gun 
ners,  here  having  a  good  view  of  the  rebel  batteries  across  the 
plain,  opened  on  the  enemy. 

At  ten  A.  M.  Meaghers  brigade  was  called  upon  to  change  posi 
tion.  We  instinctively  grasped  our  muskets  with  a  firmer  hand 
as  hurriedly  past  our  line  from  the  right  a  messenger  descends 
the  slope  in  front  of  us,  approaches  General  Meagher,  delivers 
his  message,  urging  his  horse  to  greater  speed  as,  turning  away, 
he  retraced  his  course. 

The  general  is  already  in  his  saddle.  His  men,  with  sober,  de 
termined  faces,  all  attention:  a  brief  address,  they  fall  into 
line,  the  general  turning  his  horse  leads  the  way.  They  ascend 
the  slope  to  the  street  and,  rapidly  passing  along  the  right  of 
our  line,  are  lost  to  view. 

In  the  meanwhile  General  Sunmer  with  his  staff  took  position ; 
at  the  Lacy  House,  from  which  he  could  have  a  full  view  of  the 
movements  of  his  division  in  the  assault  upon  the  heights.     It 
was  not  until  twelve  M.  that  General  Meade's  opportunity  came 
to  pierce  the  rebel  line,  gaining  a  decided  advantage  on  the  left. 

At  this  juncture  French's  division  was  ordered  in  by  General 
Sumner  to  be  followed  and  supported  by  Hancock. 

French's  division  was  represented  by  the  brigades  of  Kimball, 
Anderson  and  Palmer;  Hancock's  by  the  brigades  of  Zook, 
Meagher  and  Caldwell.  KimbalPs  brigade  led,  while  the  whole 
force  in  turn  moved  rapidly  to  the  assault. 

The  movement  of  Meagher's  brigades  at  ten  A.  M.  while  taking 
new  position  at  the  rear  of  the  town  being  observed  by  the  rebels 
drew  their  fire,  but  not  until  the  advance  of  French's  and  Han 
cock's  divisions  did  we  fully  realize  the  situation.  Then  came 
the  roar  of  artillery  marking  the  time,  when,  moving  from  the 
shelter  of  the  town,  they  encountered  the  murderous  fire  from  the 
enemy  so  strongly  entrenched  along  the  heights,  supplemented 
by  the  sharp  cracking  of  rifles  and  musketry,  as  rebel  regiments 
and  sharpshooters  in  advance  of  their  main  defences  put  in  their 
deadly  work. 

The  falling  back  of  these  advance  regiments  to  position  behind 


. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  37 

the  stone  wall  along  the  sunken  road  (a  veritable  fortress  in 
itself)  aided  by  subsequent  re-enforcements  finding  place  and 
position  there,  enabled  them  to  pour  a  continuous  fire  upon  the 
advancing  columns  of  the  Union  army,  the  most  destructive  re 
corded  in  history. 

About  twelve  M.  Sturgis  received  orders  to  support  General 
Couch,  and,  accordingly,  commenced  moving  a  portion  of  his 
division  towards  the  upper  rear  of  the  town  and  to  the  front, 
sheltering  his  troops  in  a  measure  under  cover  of  fences,  houses, 
etc. 

In  the  meantime  General  Couch  threw  forward  his  divisions, 
but  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  and  musketry  was  so  severe 
as  to  cause  his  left  to  break  and  roll  in  irregular  masses  back 
towards  the  city. 

Observing  this  Sturgis  ordered  in  Ferrero  with  four  regi 
ments  of  his  brigade  supported  by  Lieutenant  Dickenson's  horse 
battery.  Fourth  United  States  Artillery,  which  took  position  on 
a  bluff  to  the  left  and  front  of  a  brick  kiln  at  the  left  of  the  rail 
road.  Under  cover  of  this  battery  Ferrero  moved  forward,  gal 
lantly  checking  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  forcing  them  back 
with  heavy  loss.  The  opening  of  Dickenson's  battery  was  imme 
diately  followed  by  a  concentrated  heavy  artillery  fire  upon  it 
from  the  enemy,  forcing  a  withdrawal  in  less  than  fifteen  min 
utes  with  the  loss  of  Lieutenant  Dickenson,  four  men,  and  a 
number  of  horses  killed  and  many  other  men  and  horses  wounded. 

The  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  concentrated  upon  the  Sec 
ond  Brigade  (Ferrero's)  after  the  withdrawal  of  Dickenson's 
battery  was  something  terrific.  To  support  in  turn,  Sturgis  now 
ordered  our  brigade,  the  First  (General  Nagle)  to  advance  and 
take  position  on  the  left  of  Ferrero,  throw  forward  his  (Nagle's) 
left  and  open  a  cross  fire  in  front  of  the  Second  Brigade  who 
were  manfully  standing  up  to  their  work. 

An  alignment,  a  rapid  movement  by  the  right  flank,  a  wheel 
into  and  along  Third  Street  brought  our  regiment  to  the  rear  of 
the  city.  Deploying  now  to  the  left,  a  movement  to  the  front 
brought  us  into  position  at  the  left  of  the  railroad  with  the 
Sixth  New  Hampshire  next  us  on  our  right  and  to  the  right  of 
the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  Railroad,  and  the  Seventh 
Rhode  Island  to  the  right  of  them,  while  on  our  left  the  Sec- 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ond  Maryland  and  Ninth  New  Hampshire  held  position.  Hav 
ing  now  arrived  within  sight  and  range  of  the  rebel  artillery  the 
opportunity  for  slaughter  was  at  once  taken  advantage  of,  as  the 
artillery  fire  from  the  heights  fully  assured  us. 

At  this  time  we  were  passing  obstacles,  climbing  fences,  etc., 
and  as  the  solid  shot  and  exploding  shell  came  in  contact  with 
the  outbuildings  and  board  fences,  the  ripping,  tearing  and 
crashing  was  something  terrific.  An  order  to  lie  down,  although 
immediately  countermanded,  developed  the  inconceivable  rapid 
ity  with  which  a  regiment  of  men  can  flatten  out  and  disappear 
from  view. 

A  summons  to  "get  out  of  that"  brought  us  quickly  to  our  feet 
and  to  a  second  alignment  along  the  roadbed  of  the  railroad, 
which  here  a  shallow  cut  along  the  plain  had  changed  direction 
towards  the  southeast  parallel  with  our  line  and  afforded  par 
tial  shelter  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  Previous  to  this  our 
major  having  become  disabled  was  borne  from  the  field,  while  at 
this  time  our  colonel  was  with  the  left  of  the  regiment  reform 
ing  on  the  roadbed  and  had  swung  ahead  and  partly  around  an 
eminence  intervening.  At  this  point,  General  Nagle  coming  to 
the  front  along  the  right,  directed  the  company  officers  to  take 
their  men  into  action  at  once,  whereupon  the  right  moved  rapidly 
out  and  ahead,  breaking  from  the  left,  which  was  unable  to  move 
to  the  front  having  come  upon  the  Second  Maryland,  which  regi 
ment  had  called  a  halt  with  no  indication  on  their  part  of  further 
progress.  This  state  of  affairs  obliged  Colonel  Browne  to  move 
the  left  of  the  regiment  by  the  right  flank,  then  change  direction 
to  the  front  in  the  rear  and  along  the  same  line  as  the  righH 
which  had  preceded  him.  This  he  gallantly  accomplished,  bring 
ing  along  our  colors  and  planting  them  in  front  of  Marye's 
Heights  where  the  right  of  the  regiment  already  in  action  was 
awaiting  him,  within  200  yards  of  the  stone  wall  at  the  foot  of 
the  hill.  Meanwhile,  owing  to  the  impassable  nature  of  the 
ground  and  the  heavy  enfilading  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry 
concentrated  upon  the  left  of  his  (Nagle's)  brigade  from  across 
Hazel  Run,  Sturgis  directed  Nagle  to  change  direction,  move  by 
a  flank  to  the  right  and  to  the  direct  support  of  Ferrer o.  Ac 
cordingly,  the  balance  of  the  brigade  coming  to  the  front  later, 
took  position  on  our  right  leaving  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island 
Regiment  the  extreme  left  on  the  firing  line. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  39 

I  will  now  relate  concerning  the  right  of  our  regiment  after 
breaking  away  from  the  left.  Our  course  to  the  front  brought 
us  directly  upon  a  deep  cut  in  the  plain  exactly  at  right  angles 
with  the  direction  taken  by  us  to  the  front.  A  cut  where  the 
Gordonsville  railroad  (in  progress  of  building  about  the  time 
the  war  commenced)  crosses  the  plain  and  at  our  point  of  cross 
ing  some  thirty  feet  deep.  A  plunge  into  this  gave  promise  of 
shelter  from  the  fire  in  our  front  and  another  halt  to  get  our 
wind,  but  when  at  the  bottom  we  found  ourselves  in  a  trap ;  for 
from  elevated  ground,  across  Hazel  Kun,  at  a  very  convenient 
distance  to  our  left,  hidden  by  the  trees  and  bushes,  the  rebel 
riflemen  and  artillery  enfiladed  this  cut  and  poured  such  contin 
uous  and  deadly  volleys  that  an  earnest  desire  to  gain  the  top  of 
the  opposite  bank  took  possession  of  us.  This  feat  was  accom 
plished  only  by  a  display  of  muscle  seldom  put  on  exhibition.  A 
few  of  us,  throwing  off  our  rolls  of  shelter  tents  and  blankets, 
made  an  onslaught  on  the  bank  and  finally  succeeded  In  landing 
ourselves  at  the  top.  Most  of  our  men,  however,  unwilling  or 
unable  to  scale  the  bank  made  a  detour  to  the  right,  along  the 
road  some  two  hundred  feet,  turning  to  the  front  again  where 
the  road  came  to  a  grade  with  the  plain.  This  was  the  course 
we  all  should  have  taken  and  thus  have  been  able  to  have  kept 
our  formation ;  but  our  officers,  owing  to  the  confusion  unavoid 
able  from  this  most  dangerous  situation,  allowed  a  part  of  the 
men  to  scale  the  bank,  at  the  top  of  which  the  concentrated  fire 
of  artillery  from  the  heights  and  from  muskets  and  rifles,  along 
the  sunken  road  at  the  base  of  Marye's  Hill,  not  more  than  eight 
hundred  yards  in  front  of  this  cut,  prevented  our  entertaining 
any  thought  of  formation  for  a  moment,  and  the  old  saying, 
"Devil  take  the  hindmost,"  was  here  fully  illustrated.  The  most 
striking  example  falling  under  the  writer's  observation  was  that 
of  an  orderly  sergeant  of  one  of  our  companies,  who,  having  been 
somewhat  indisposed  previous  to  the  day  of  battle,  was  either 
excused,  or  more  likely,  excused  himself  from  carrying  the  regu 
lar  equipment  of  the  sergeant  and  went  in  burdened  only  by  his 
sergeant's  sword  and  belt,  canteen  and  haversack,  thus  enabling 
him  to  go  out  of  that  cut  like  a  cat  up  a  tree.  Being  thus 
equipped  for  the  race,  and  able  to  outstrip  his  comrades,  a  wave 
of  his  sword  on  the  top  of  the  bank  and  a  shout  for  the  boys  to 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

"come  on/'  won  for  him  special  notice  and  honorable  mention 
in  the  colonel's  report,  and  very  soon  thereafter  a  lieutenant's 
commission.  We  could  see  our  advanced  line  holding  position 
a  few  hundred  feet  from  the  base  of  Marye's  Hill,  and  making 
this  our  objective  point,  we  moved  to  their  support  upon  the 
run.  At  this  point,  the  writer  will  here  affirm  that  no  arrange 
ment  for  the  annihilation  of  a  regiment  of  men,  or  where  they 
could  have  been  brought  under  a  more  destructive  fire,  with  that 
end  in  view,  could  have  been  made  than  that  arranged  for  the 
reception  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers  at  Fredericks- 
burg,  Dec.  13,  1862. 

But  to  return.  The  writer's  run  from  the  railroad  cut  to  the 
front  line  brought  him  alongside  a  small  brick  dwelling,  to  the 
rear  of  which  he  hastened;  and  here,  fairly  sheltered  from  the 
deadty  fire  poured  upon  us  from  Maryejs  Hill  and  the  sunken 
road,  now  within  from  five  to  eight  hundred  feet  of  his  halting 
place,  he  rested.  Directly  behind  this  house,  partly  covered  by 
loose  boards,  was  a  cellar  hole  some  six  feet  wide  by  eight  long. 
Now,  by  the  way,  the  writer  has  heard  it  affirmed  that  a  hole 
in  the  ground,  a  stump,  a  rock  or  a  fallen  tree  on  the  field  of  bat 
tle  and  within  a  certain  radius  will  so  affect  soldiers  of  an  un 
certain  temperament  tlmt  they  immediately  strike  out  towards 
it.  In  corroboration  of  this,  will  say  that  the  writer  found 
himself  drawn  as  by  some  irresistible  influence  towards  this  cel 
lar  hole.  Lifting  aside  one  of  the  boards  he  found  most  con 
clusive  evidence,  beside  his  own  experience,  of  the  magnetism  of 
cellar  holes  when  under  fire ;  for  in  that  pit  or  cellar  some  dozen 
or  more  of  our  men  lay  packed,  like  sardines  in  a  box,  one  on  top 
of  another.  One  among  the  number  he  recognized  as  one  of  his 
own  company, — a  man  something  over  six  feet  in  height  who 
nearly  measured  the  length  of  the  hole  as  he  lay  the  topmost  one 
of  all,  flat  upon  his  back.  One  of  the  men,  fearing  the  writer  was 
about  to  join  them,  with  the  tears  coursing  down  his  cheeks,  en-, 
treated  him  to  keep  out  as  the  place,  he  said,  would  hold  no 
more;  upon  \vhich  the  writer  quickly  replaced  the  board  and 
drew  back  to  the  shelter  of  the  house.  Only  a  few  moments  had 
elapsed  after  the  writer's  arrival  here  before  he  was  joined  by 
a  comrade  of  his  own  company  whom  the  writer  had  outstripped 
in  the  race,  but  who  was  doubtless  cellar-hole  proof,  and  together 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  41 

they  left  their  shelter  and  pushed  on  to  the  support  of  the  ad 
vance  line. 

By  taking  advantage  of  a  depression  at  the  base  of  Marye's 
Hill  within  from  five  to  seven  hundred  feet  of  the  sunken  road, 
Sturgis  and  his  brigades  held  their  ground.  We  were  so  near 
the  hill  that  the  rebel  guns  could  not  be  depressed  so  as  to  bear 
upon  us,  and  we  held  our  position  throughout  the  balance  of  the 
day,  and  by  pouring  an  occasional  volley  upon  the  sunken  road, 
assisted  the  subsequent  advance  of  troops  from  the  rear  of  the 
town.  At  sunset  a  most  determined  effort  was  made  to  carry  the 
heights,  but  without  avail,  and,  as  darkness  enveloped  us,  we  re 
treated  from  our  position  to  the  shelter  of  the  town. 

Your  writer  will  now  again  quote  from  Coffin  that  which  re 
lates  to  Sumner's  divisions  on  the  right  where  we  were  engaged. 
After  relating  what  occurred  under  Franklin,  he  writes: 

"But  while  this  was  transpiring  under  Franklin  on  the  left, 
there  was  a  terrible  sacrifice  of  life  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill. 
Soon  after  noon  French's  and  Hancock's  divisions  of  the  Second 
Corps,  with  Sturgis's  division  of  the  Ninth,  advanced  over  the 
open  fields  at  the  rear  of  the  town  to  attack  the  heights.  Officers 
walked  along  the  lines  giving  the  last  words.  "Advance  and 
drive  them  out  with  the  bayonet,"  were"the  orders.  The  fifteen 
thousand  in  a  compact  body  moved  to  the  edge  of  the  plateau. 
The  hills  are  aflame.  All  of  Longstreet's  guns  are  thundering; 
shells  burst  in  the  ranks.  The  rebel  skirmishers,  concealed  in 
the  houses  and  behind  fences,  fire  a  volley  and  fall  back  to  their 
main  line.  Onward  move  the  divisions,  firing  no  shot  in  return. 
Now  a  sheet  of  flame  bursts  from  the  sunken  road  and  another, 
half-way  up  the  slope.  Hundreds  fall,  but  onward,  nearer  to 
the  hill,  rolls  the  wave.  Still,  still,  it  flows  on ;  it  begins  to 
break.  Hancock's  and  French's  divisions,  unable  to  find  shelter, 
are  driven  back  upon  the  town.  A  portion  of  Sturgis's  division 
reaches  the  hollow  in  front  of  the  hill  and  settles  into  it.  The 
attack  and  repulse  have  not  lasted  fifteen  minutes.  Sturgis  is 
in  the  hollow  so  near  the  hill  that  the  rebel  batteries  upon  the 
crest  cannot  be  depressed  sufficiently  to  drive  him  out.  He  is 
within  close  musket  shot  of  Cobb's  brigade  lying  behind  the 
stone  wall  at  the  base  of  the  hill.  Sturgis's  men  lie  down,  load 
and  fire  deliberately,  watching  their  opportunity  to  pick  off  the 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

gunners  on  the  hill.  In  vain  are  all  the  efforts  of  Longstreet  to 
dislodge  them.  Solid  shot,  shell  and  shrapnel  are  thrown  to 
wards  the  hollow  without  avail.  A  solitary  oak  tree  near  is  torn 
and  broken  by  the  artillery  fire  and  pitted  with  musket  balls  and 
the  ground  is  furrowed  by  the  deadly  missies ;  but  the  men  keep 
their  position  through  the  weary  hours.  This  division  is  com 
posed  of  two  brigades :  Nagle's,  containing  the  Sixth  and  Ninth 
New  Hampshire,  the  Seventh  and  Twelfth  Rhode  Island,  Forty- 
eighth  Pennsylvania  and  Second  Maryland;  and  Ferrero's,  com 
prising  the  Twenty-first  and  Thirty-fifth  Massachusetts,  Eleventh 
New  Hampshire,  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  and  Fifty-first  New 
York. 

"A  second  attempt  is  made  upon  the  hill.  Humphreys's  divi 
sion,  composed  of  Tylers  and  Briggs's  brigades  of  Pennsylvania, 
nearly  all  new  troops,  lead  the  advance  closely  followed  by  Mor- 
rilPs  division  of  veterans.  The  lines  move  steadily  over  the 
fields  under  cover  of  the  batteries  which  have  been  brought  up 
and  planted  in  the  streets.  Sturgis  pours  a  constant  fire  upon 
the  sunken  road.  Thus  aided,  they  reach  the  base  of  the  hill  in 
front  of  Marye's,  deliver  a  few  volleys  and  then,  with  thinned 
ranks,  retire  to  the  shelter  of  the  ridge. 

"The  day  is  waning,  Franklin  has  failed,  but  Sumner  cannot 
see  the  day  lost  without  another  struggle  and  orders  a  third  at 
tack.  Humphreys,  Morrill,  Getty,  Sykes  and  Howard  (or  por 
tions  of  their  divisions)  are  brought  up.  The  troops  have  been 
under  arms  from  early  daylight.  They  have  had  no  food.  All 
day  they  have  been  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  rebel  batteries  and 
have  lost  heavily.  Brooks's  division  of  the  Sixth  Corps  moves 
up  Deep  Run  to  engage  in  the  last  attack.  All  the  batteries  on 
both  sides  of  the  river  are  once  more  brought  into  action.  Getty 
moves  up  Hazel  Run  to  take  the  rebels  in  flank  who  are  protected 
by  the  sunken  road  at  the  base  of  the  hill. 

"It  is  sunset.  The  troops  move  out  and  across  the  open  plains 
with  a  cheer.  The  ground  beneath  them  is  already  crimson  with 
the  blood  of  fallen  comrades.  They  reach  the  base  of  the  hill. 
Longstreet  brings  down  all  his  reserves.  The  hillside,  the  plain, 
the  crest  of  the  ridge,  the  groves  and  thickets,  the  second  range 
of  hills  beyond  Marye's,  the  hollow,  the  sunken  road,  all  ere 
bright  flashes.  Two  hundred  cannons  strike  out  fierce  defiance; 


CHAPLAIN   SAMUEL  W.  FIELD. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  43 

forty  thousand  muskets  and  rifles  flame.  The  rebels  are  driven 
from  the  stone  walls,  the  sunken  road  and  the  rifle-pits  at  the 
bottom  of  the  hill.  The  blue  wave  mounts  all  but  to  the  top  of 
the  crest.  It  threatens  to  overwhelm  the  rebel  batteries,  but 
we  who  watch  behold  its  power  decreasing.  Men  begin  to  come 
down  the  hill  singly  and  in  masses. 

"The  third  and  last  attempt  had  failed.  The  divisions  return 
leaving  the  plain  and  the  hillside  strewn  with  thousands  of  brave 
men  who  have  fallen  in  this  ineffectual  struggle." 

I  will  also  quote  from  Lossing's  History  of  the  Civil  War, 
published  in  1866,  that  which  relates  to  the  attack  from  the  city 
as  directed  by  General  Simmer  wherein  he  reports  as  follows : 

"Let  us  see,"  he  writes,  "what  Sumner  was  doing  while  a  part 
of  Franklin's  corps  was  struggling  so  fearfully  on  the  left.  Sum- 
ner  was  to  attack  the  Confederate  front,  when  Franklin  should 
fairly  inaugurate  the  battle  with  a  prospect  of  success.  The 
conditions  were  complied  with.  At  eleven  o'clock  he  and  his 
staff  repaired  to  the  Lacy  House  near  the  river,  opposite  Fred- 
ericksburg,  from  which  he  could  have  a  full  view  of  the  opera 
tions  of  his  divisions.  Couch's  corps  (Second)  occupied  the  city 
and  Willcox's  (Ninth)  the  interval  between  Couch's  and  Frank 
lin's  right.  Upon  Couch  fell  the  honor  of  making  the  first  at 
tack.  At  noon  he  ordered  out  French's  division  to  be  followed 
and  supported  by  Hancock.  KimbalPs  brigade  led  and  the  whole 
force,  as  it  moved  swiftly  to  the  assault  from  the  town,  suffered 
greatly  from  the  converging  fire  of  the  artillery  on  the  heights 
which  swept  the  plains  below.  Those  batteries  could  be  but  lit 
tle  affected  by  the  National  guns  on  the  distant  Stafford  Hills. 
On  Marye's  Hill,  and  behind  a  stone  wall,  on  the  road  at  its  foot, 
near  the  town  already  mentioned,  Longstreet  was  posted  with 
heavy  reserves  behind  him.  Upon  this  formidable  host,  under 
the  storm  of  iron  from  the  heights  which  made  great  lanes 
through  his  ranks,  French  threw  his  columns  and  was  met  by 
murderous  volleys  at  short  range  from  .  •  .  .  riflemen  who 
had  been  summoned  to  position  behind  the  wall.  The  struggle 
was  brief  and  French  was  driven  back  shattered  and  broken  by 
the  loss  of  nearly  one  half  his  command  while  the  victors  shouted 
and  yelled  in  wildest  enthusiasm.  Hancock,  who  was  close  be 
hind,  now  closed  up  and  with  such  portions  of  French's  com- 


44  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

maud  as  were  still  organized,  advanced  in  the  face  of  a  like  tem 
pest  of  shot  and  shell.  His  brigade  fought  most  gallantly,  es 
pecially  that  of  Meagher's,  composed  of  Irishmen,  who  dashed 
themselves  time  after  time  against  the  force  at  the  stone  wall  but 
without  success,  until  the  ground  was  strewn  with  two-thirds  of 
its  numbers.  After  a  struggle  of  about  fifteen  minutes,  Han 
cock  was  driven  back  with  great  slaughter.  Of  five  thousand  six 
hundred  veterans  led  by  able  and  tried  commanders,  whom  he 
took  into  action,  two  thousand  and  thirteen  had  fallen.  How 
ard's  division  came  to  the  aid  of  French  and  Hancock;  and  those 
of  Sturgis  and  Getty,  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  made  several  attacks 
in  support  of  the  struggling  Second,  but  still  no  advance  could 
be  made.  Finally,  Burnside  ordered  Hooker  across  with  such 
of  his  forces  as  he  had  in  hand,  saying,  as  he  from  the  north  bank 
of  the  river  gazed  upon  the  smoking  heights  for  which  his  troops 
had  been  struggling  unsuccessfully  for  hours,  'That  crest  must 
be  carried  to-night.' 

"Hooker  crossed  with  three  divisions,  but  on  surveying  the 
ground  and  learning  the  situation  of  affairs,  he  was  so  well  sat 
isfied  of  the  hopelessness  of  the  enterprise  that  he  hastened  to 
Burnside  and  begged  him  to  desist  from  further  attack.  Burn- 
side  would  not  yield,  so  Humphreys's  division,  four  thousand 
strong,  was  sent  out  of  the  city  by  Hooker  with  empty  muskets 
to  use  the  bayonet  only.  They  followed  the  track  of  French, 
Hancock  and  Howard.  When  almost  up  to  the  fatal  stone  wall 
which  they  intended  to  storm,  these  troops  were  hurled  back  by 
terrible  volleys  of  rifle  balls,  leaving  seventeen  hundred  of  their 
number  prostrate  on  the  field.  Night  soon  closed  the  awful  con 
flict  when  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  nearly  fifteen  thousand 
less  effective  men  than  when  it  began  the  battle  on  the  previous 
day.  It  was  evident  to  the  commanders  engaged  in  the  conflict 
that  it  would  be  useless  to  make  any  further  attempt  to  carry  the 
position  by  storm;  but  General  Burnside,  eager  to  achieve  vic 
tory,  prepared  to  hurl  his  own  corps  (the  Ninth)  on  the  follow 
ing  morning  against  the  fatal  barrier  which  had  withstood 
French,  Hancock,  Howard  and  Humphreys.  He  was  dissuaded 
by  the  brave  Simmer,  who  was  supported,  in  his  opposition  to 
the  proposed  movement,  by  nearly  all  the  general  officers.  It 
was  finally  determined  to  withdraw  the  troops  to  the  north  bank 
of  the  Rappahannock. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  45 

"For  two  days  (December  14th  and  15th  they  remained  on  the 
Fredericksburg  side,  while  Lee,  evidently  ignorant  of  the  real 
weakness  and  peril  of  his  foe,  fortunately  maintained  a  defensive 
position  and  was  engaged  during  that  time  in  strengthening  his 
works  in  anticipation  of  another  attack.  On  the  morning  of  the 
16th  he  was  astonished  by  the  apparition  of  a  great  army  upon 
the  Stafford  Hills  and  by  seeing  none  in  front  of  his  line. 

"During  the  night  of  the  15th  Burnside  had  quietly  withdrawn 
his  entire  force  and  all  his  guns,  taken  up  his  pontoon  bridges, 
and  offered  Lee  full  permission  to  occupy  Fredericksburg.  The 
latter  accepted  the  boon  and  boasted  of  a  great  victory  in  terms 
wholly  irreconcilable  with  truth  and  candor." 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  584.] 

C.    S. 

RSPORT  OF  COL.   HENRY   COALTER  CABELL,   CHIEF   OF  ARTILLERY. 

CAMP  NEAR  FREDERICKSURG,  VA., 

Dec.  25,  1862. 

.  .  .  The  division  of  Maj.-Gen.  McLaws  arriving  here  at  the 
head  of  the  column  Thursday,  November  20,  ...  it  devolved 
upon  me  ...  to  place  the  artillery  in  position  and  prepare 
for  the  attack.  .  .  .  All  but  five  of  our  batteries  were  so 
placed  as  to  command  not  only  the  approach  of  the  enemy  on  our 
right,  but  also  the  Telegraph  road  and  the  abandoned  railroad 
called  the  Fredericksburg  and  Gordonsville  Railroad,  .  .  . 
and  enabled  us  to  give  an  oblique  and  almost  an  enfilading  fire 
upon  the  enemy  advancing  from  the  various  streets  in  Fred 
ericksburg,  and  who  were  drawn  up  under  the  protection  of  the 
inequalities  of  the  ground  in  front  of  Marye's  Hill.  The  main 
battle  on  the  left  was  fought  to  obtain  this  hill.  Between  this 
hill  and  the  town  of  Fredericksburg,  it  is  said,  the  Rappahan- 
nock  formerly  flowed.  .  .  . 

My  position  enabled  me  to  observe  the  enemy's  left  flank,  upon 
which  our  guns  opened  a  most  destructive  fire.  .  .  .  Several 
times  their  advance  was  repulsed  by  well  directed  fire  of  our 
batteries.  .  .  .  Once  a  whole  brigade  was  dispersed  and  scat 
tered  in  confusion  to  the  rear.  Once  they  made  for  the  railroad 
cut,  and  several  shells  from  our  batteries  exploded  among  them 
before  they  could  escape  from  it.  Once  they  charged  by  attempt 
ing  to  cross  the  cut,  running  down  one  side  and  up  the  other. 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  right  of  Marye's  Hill  terminates  almost  precipitously. 
The  Telegraph  road  passes  on  the  right  of  the  hill,  and  then 
turns  almost  directly  at  right  angles  at  the  foot  and  in  front  of 
the  hill.  The  railroad  cut  and  embankment  would  have  enabled 
the  enemy  to  come  in  almost  perfect  security  within  a  short  dis 
tance  of  the  right  flank  of  our  troops,  drawn  up  behind  the  stone 
wall  on  the  Telegraph  road,  and  by  a  rapid  charge  to  have  our 
troops  at  the  most  serious  disadvantage.  Their  advance  could 
not  have  been  effectually  checked  by  the  artillery  on  Marye's  Hill 
owing  to  the  conformation  of  the  ground.  .  .  . 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

HENRY  COALTER  CABELL, 

Colonel,  Chief  of  Artillery, 
Major-Gen.  McLaws'  Division. 

MAJOR  JAMES  M.  GOGGIN, 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  578  and  579.] 

REPORT  OF  GEN.  LAFAYETTE  McLAws,  C.  S.  ARMY,  COMMANDING 
McLAws'  DIVISION. 

HEADQUARTERS  DIVISION, 
CAMP  NEAR  FREDERICKSBURG,  VA., 

Dec.  30,  1862. 

My  division  occupied  the  front  of  defense.  .  .  .  One  brig 
ade  was  constantly  on  duty  in  the  City  to  guard  the  town  and  de 
fend  the  river  crossings.  .  .  . 

The  brigade  of  General  Barksdale,  The  Seventeenth  Missis 
sippi,  Colonel  (John  C.)  Fiser,  and  10  sharpshooters  from  Col. 
( J.  W.)  Carter's  regiment  (The  Thirteenth)  and  three  companies 
of  the  Eighteenth  Mississippi  Regiment,  Lieut.  Col.  (William 
H.)  Luse,  under  Lieut.  (William)  Ratliff,  were  all  the  troops 
that  were  actually  engaged  defending  the  crossings  in  front  of 
the  City.  .  .  As  the  enemy  advanced  into  the  town,  our 
troops  fell  back  to  Princess  Anne  St.  ... 

The  street  fighting  continued  until  7  p.  M.  when  T  ordered  Gen. 
Barksdale  to  fall  back  and  take  position  along  and  behind  the 
stone  wall  below  Marye's  Hill.  .  .  . 

On  the  night  of  the  llth,  the  Eighteenth  and  Twenty-Fourth 
Georgia  Regiments  and  Phillips's  Georgia  Legion  of  Cobb's  brig 
ade  relieved  General  Barksdale's  command  behind  the  stone 


QUARTERMASTER  JOHN  L.  CLARKE. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  47 

wall,  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill,  Phillips's  Legion  on  the  left,  the 
24th  Georgia  in  the  center,  and  Eighteenth  Georgia  on  the  right, 
occupying  the  whole  front  under  the  hill.  . 

On  the  13th  .  .  .  about  1  p.  M.,  the  16th  Georgia  Regiment 
was  sent  to  the  support  of  General  Cobb,  also  two  regiments  from 
Kershaw's  brigade.  Soon  after  this  General  Kershaw  was  di 
rected  to  take  his  whole  brigade  and  assume  command  as  Gen. 
Cobb  had  been  wounded  and  disabled. 

The  South  Carolina  Regiments  were  posted,  the  2nd  and  8th, 
Col.  (J.  D.)  Kennedy  and  Capt.  (E.  T.)  Stackhouse  command 
ing,  in  the  road  doubling  on  Phillips's  Legion,  Col.  (B.  F.)  Cook, 
and  the  24th  Georgia,  Col.  McMillan,  and  the  7th  and  3rd  South 
Carolina,  Col.  (James  D.)  Xance  and  Lieut.  Col.  (Elbert)  Bland, 
on  the  hill  to  the  left  of  Marye's  house  .  .  .  about  4.30  p.  M. 
the  15th  South  Carolina,  Colonel  DeSaussure,  was  brought  for 
ward  and  posted  behind  the  stone  wall  .  .  .  Captain  (G.  B.) 
Cuthbert,  of  the  2nd  South  Carolina  Regiment,  with  his  company 
of  sharpshooters,  was  thrown  out  on  the  edge  of  Hazel  Run,  and 
did  good  service  in  annoying  the  flank  of  the  enemy  as  their  col 
umns  advanced  to  the  attack. 

L.  McLAWS, 

Major-General. 

MAJ.  G.  MOXLEY  SORREL, 

A  ssistan  t  A  d jut  ant  -  General. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  588  and  589.] 

REPORT  OF   BRIG.-GEN.  JOSEPH  B.  KERSHAW,  G.   S.   ARMY,   COM 
MANDING  KERSHAW'S  BRIGADE. 

HEADQUARTERS,  KERSHAW'S  BRIGADE, 
NEAR  FREDERICKSBURG,  VA.,  Dec.  26,  1862. 

MAJOR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  a  report  of  the  operations 
of  my  command  during  the  recent  engagement. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth  instant,  by  daylight,  the  brigade 
was  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  the  position  assigned  me,  the  right 
resting  at  the  left  of  Howison's  Hill,  and  the  left  near  Howi son's 
Mill,  on  Hazel  Run.  .  .  . 

Saturday  the  13th,  about  1  o'clock  of  that  day,  I  was  directed 
to  send  two  regiments  into  the  City  to  the  support  of  General 
Cobb,  then  engaged  with  part  of  his  brigade  at  the  foot  of  Marye's 
Hill.  .  .  .  Within  a  few  minutes  after,  I  was  directed  to 
take  my  entire  command  to  the  same  point  and  assume  command 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

there.  .  .  .  The  position  was  excellent.  Marye's  Hill  cov 
ered  with  our  batteries  .  .  .  falls  off  abruptly  towards  Fred- 
ericksburg  to  a  stone  wall,  which  forms  a  terrace  on  the  side  of 
the  hill  and  the  outer  margin  of  the  Telegraph  road  which  winds 
along  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  The  road  is  about  some  twenty-five 
feet  wide  and  is  faced  by  a  stone  wall  about  four  feet  high  on  the 
City  side.  The  road  having  been  cut  out  of  the  side  of  the  hill, 
in  many  places  this  last  wall  is  not  visible  above  the  surface  of 
the  ground. 

The  ground  falls  off  rapidly  to  almost  a  level  surface,  which 
extends  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  then  with  another 
abrupt  fall  of  a  few  feet  to  another  plain  which  extends  some 
two  hundred  yards,  and  then  falls  off  abruptly  into  a  wide  ravine 
which  extends  along  the  whole  front  of  the  City  and  discharges 
into  Hazel  Run.  I  found,  upon  my  arrival,  that  Cobb's  brigade, 
Col.  McMillan  commanding,  occupied  our  entire  front,  and  my 
troops  could  only  get  into  position  by  doubling  on  them.  This 
was  accordingly  done,  and  the  formation  along  most  of  the  line 
during  the  engagement  was  consequently  four  deep.  ...  I 
may  mention  here  that,  notwithstanding  that  their  fire  was  the 
most  rapid  and  continuous  I  have  ever  witnessed,  not  a  man  was 
injured  by  the  fire  of  his  comrades.  .  .1 

Line  after  line  of  the  enemy  deployed  in  the  ravine  and  ad 
vanced  to  the  attack  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  fifteen  min 
utes  until  about  4.30  o'clock  when  there  was  a  lull  of  about  a 
half  hour,  during  which  a  mass  of  artillery  was  placed  in  position 
in  front  of  the  town,  and  opened  upon  our  position.  ... 
Under  cover  of  this  artillery  fire,  the  most  formidable  column  of 
attack  was  formed  which,  about  5  o'clock,  emerged  from  the  ra 
vine  and  .  .  .  assailed  our  whole  front.  From  this  time  un 
til  after  6  o'clock,  the  attack  was  continuous  and  the  fire  on  both 
sides  terrific.  Some  few,  chiefly  officers,  got  within  thirty  yards 
of  our  lines,  but  in  every  instance  their  columns  were  shattered 
by  the  time  they  got  within  one  hundred  paces.  .  .  .  Our 
chief  loss  was  from  sharpshooters  after  getting  into  position  in 
the  road,  who  occupied  some  buildings  on  my  left  flank  in  the 
early  part  of  the  engagement.  .  .  . 

General  Cobb  T  learn  was  killed  by  a  shot  from  that  quarter. 

Very   respectfully,   your   obedient   servant, 

J.  B.  KERSHAW, 

Brigadier-Genera  I,  Commanding. 
MAJ.  JAMES  M.  GOGGIN, 

Assistant  Adjutant-G&ncral. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  49 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  180  and  181.] 

REPORT  OF  BRIG. -GEN.  HENRY  J.  HUNT,,  U.   S.  ARMY,  CHIEF  OP 

ARTILLERY. 

ARTILLERY  HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

CAMP  NEAR  FALMOUTH,  VA., 

January  10,  1863. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  a  report  of 
the  general  operations  of  the  artillery  of  this  Army  from  Dec. 
10th  to  16th,  1862. 

It  having  been  determined  to  cross  the  Rappahannock  and  at 
tack  the  enemy  in  his  position,  I  received  orders  from  Ma  j. -Gen. 
Burnside  to  make  the  necessary  disposition  of  the  artillery,  to 
protect  construction  of  the  bridges,  and  to  cover  the  passage  of 
the  army.  .  .  , 

The  right  division  was  charged  with  the  duty  of  clearing  the 
hills  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  in  front  of  them,  and  their 
slopes  down  as  far  as  the  town,  to  engage  the  enemy's  batteries 
of  position  on  the  crests,  and  to  sweep  the  plain  from  below  the 
ford  to  the  hills  so  as  to  clear  it  of  the  enemy,  and  thus  aid  the 
advance  of  Sumner's  grand  division  in  the  assault.  .  .  . 

The  right  center  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Tompkins, 
First  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  was  directed  to  protect  the  throw 
ing  of  the  bridges,  and  to  cover  the  pontoons  and  workmen  by 
subduing  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  troops  from  the  houses  and  cover 
opposite  the  points  selected,  to  sweep  the  streets  of  all  columns 
of  re-enforcements,  and  to  destroy  any  guns  that  might  be  placed 
in  positions  to  bear  on  the  bridges. 

The  left  center  under  the  command  of  Col.  (now  Brig-Gen.) 
R.  O.  Tyler,  First  Connecticut  Artillery,  commanded  the  ground 
between  Sunmer's  left  and  Franklin's  right,  from  Hazel  Run  to 
Deep  Run,  and  was  specially  directed  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
re-enforcing  either  of  his  flanks  from  the  other,  except  by  the 
circuitous  route  in  rear  of  his  position,  to  sweep  the  valley  of 
Hazel  Run,  and  to  control  the  railroad  bridge  across  it.  ... 

Orders  were  given  for  all  the  batteries  first  to  concentrate 
their  fire  on  such  of  the  enemy's  works  or  guns  as  should  open  on 
our  masses  as  they  approached  the  crossing  places,  second,  to 
turn  their  fire  upon  such  bodies  of  the  enemy's  troops  as  should 
offer  to  oppose  the  passage,  third,  to  cover  the  deployment  of 
troops  when  across,  by  checking  any  advance  of  the  enemy, 
fourth,  after  the  deployment,  not  to  fire  over  the  heads  of  our 
own  troops  except  in  case  of  absolute  necessity,  and  lastly,  to  aid 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

their  advance,  when  possible  to  do  so,  by  sweeping  the  ground  in 
front  of  them  with  their  fire.  .  .  . 

At  the  upper  bridges,  there  passed  the  river  with  Sumner's 
grand  division  nineteen  batteries.  The  greater  number  of  these 
could  not  be  used,  but  were  left  in  the  streets  of  Fredericksburg, 
and  a  portion  were  ordered  back  to  the  north  side. 

Of  the  nineteen  batteries  which  crossed,  seven  were  wholly  or 
partly  engaged.  .  .  .  Sumner's  and  Franklin's  attacks  (Sat 
urday,  December  13th)  were  entirely  independent  of  each  other. 
In  Sumner's,  the  front  of  attack  was  limited  by  the  Plank  road 
on  the  right  and  Hazel  Run  on  the  left,  and  there  was  but  little 
opportunity  for  the  employment  of  artillery  to  advantage  until 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  and  sharpshooters  were  driven  off.  The 
divisions  accordingly  moved  out  of  town  without  their  batteries, 
but  artillery  was  soon  called  for.  Dickenson's  battery  (four  10 
pounders),  4th  U.  S.,  of  horse  artillery,  and  Arnold's  (six  3  inch 
guns),  A  1st  R.  I.,  were  then  placed  in  action  upon  the  outer 
edge  of  the  high  ground  on  which  Fredericksburg  stands.  The 
first  (a  horse)  battery  being  very  much  exposed,  within  a  very 
short  distance  of  the  enemy's  works,  Lieut.  Dickenson  himself 
killed,  and  a  number  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded.  .  .  . 

I  sent,  on  application  of  Gen.  Couch,  two  batteries  of  six  three 
inch  guns  each,  (D  1st  X.  Y.  Battery,  Capt.  Kasserow  and  1st 
R.  I.  Battery,  Capt.  Waterman)  under  command  of  Major  Doull, 
Second  New  York  Artillery,  Inspector  on  my  staff,  to  replace  it. 
Major  Doull  placed  these  guns  on  the  right  of  the  Plank  road 
about  eight  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  at 
short  musket  range  from  their  infantry,  and  preparatory  to  each 
infantry  attack,  the  fire  was  directed  obliquely  to  the  left  to  take 
en  ecliarpe  the  enemy's  batteries,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
stone  wall  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  behind  which  their  infantry  lay. 
During  this  time  Arnold  had  been  engaged  with  the  enemy's  bat 
teries  but  was  from  his  position  compelled  to  cease  action  when 
our  infantry  advanced,  as  at  such  time  it  masked  his  fire.  .  .  . 

In  front  of  the  crest  occupied  by  these  batteries  (Kasserow's 
and  Waterman's)  was  a  second  crest  separated  from  the  first  by 
a  wide  ditch.  About  3.30  P.  M.  it  was  determined  by  Gen.  Couch 
to  risk  a  battery  in  this  position.  Captain  Morgan,  his  Chief  of 
Artillery,  carefully  examined  the  ground,  and  directed  Captain 
Hazard.  Battery  B,  1st  R.  I.,  to  place  his  battery  (six  12 
pounders)  at  the  point  indicated. 

The  order  was  executed  with  coolness  and  gallantry,  the  bat 
tery  being  brought  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the 
enemy's  position.  In  about  fifteen  minutes,  sixteen  men  and 
fifteen  horses,  including  those  of  the  Captain  and  his  two  Lieu 
tenants  (Bloodgood  and  Milne)  were  placed  liors  de  combat. 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  51 

Hazard's  battery  was  supported  by  four  guns  of  Captain 
Frank's  battery  (A)  1st  N.  Y.  (12  pounders)  which,  were  taken 
into  action  in  fine  style  a  little  to  the  left  and  rear  of  Hazard's. 

These  batteries  were  withdrawn  when  the  assault  of  Hum- 
phreys's  division  failed.  . 

When  these  batteries  were  moved  to  the  advanced  ridge  they 
were  replaced  on  the  first  by  Captain  Phillips's  (six  3  inch)  gun, 
Battery  E,  1st  Mass.,  the  fire  of  which  was  very  effective.  .  . 

Respectfully  your  most  obedient  servant, 
HENRY  J.  HUNT, 
Brigadier-General  and  Chief  of  Artillery,  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

MA j. -GEN.  J.  G.  PARKE, 

Chief  of  Staff,  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  90-94.] 

REPORT  OF  GEN.  BUENSIDE. 

NEW  YORK,  Nov.  13,  1865. 

.  *  .  The  forces  under  command  of  Gen.  Franklin  consisted 
of  about  60,000  men.  .  .  . 

One  of  the  smallest  divisions  of  the  command  (General 
Meade's)  led  the  attack.  At  9  o'clock  it  moved  out.  ...  At 
11  o'clock  it  had  moved  one-half  mile  and  halted  without  serious 
loss.  V  .  .  At  12.05  P.  M.  General  Meade's  line  was  advancing 
in  the  direction  I  prescribed  in  my  first  order  to  General  Frank 
lin. 

At  1  P.  M.  the  enemy  opened  a  battery  enfilading  Meade.  At 
1.15  P.  M.  infantry  was  heavily  engaged,  and  Meade  assaulted  the 
hill.  .  .  .  From  Gen.  Meade's  report  it  seems  that  he  had 
great  difficulty  in  getting  his  command  into  position  to  assault 
the  hill.  The  time  occupied  for  that  purpose  was  from  9  A.  M. 
to  1.15  P.  M.  In  consequence  of  the  smallness  of  his  division  and 
the  absence  of  immediate  and  available  supports,  he  was  forced 
to  make  frequent  halts  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  his  flanks, 
and  silencing  the  enemy's  artillery,  but  once  in  position,  his  divi 
sion  moved  forward  with  the  utmost  gallantry. 

He  broke  the  enemy's  line;  captured  many  prisoners  and  col 
ors  ;  crossed  the  road  that  ran  in  the  rear  of  the  crest,  and  estab 
lished  himself  at  the  desired  point  on  the  crest;  and  had  he  been 
able  to  hold  it,  our  forces  would  have  had  free  passage  to  the 
rear  of  the  enemy's  line  along  the  crest. 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  supports  which  the  order  contemplated  were  not  with  him, 
and  he  found  himself  across  the  enemy's  line  with  both  flanks 
unprotected  ...  he  was  forced  to  withdraw  from  his  ad 
vanced  position  with  his  lines  broken.  .  .  .  Gen.  Meade  and 
his  troops  deserve  great  praise  for  the  skill  and  heroism  dis 
played  on  this  occasion.  Their  brave  efforts  deserved  better  suc 
cess,  which,  doubtless,  would  have  attended  them  had  he  been 
well  supported.  .  .  . 

The  Sixth  Corps,  the  strongest  and  one  of  the  most  reliable  in 
the  army,  commanded  by  Gen.  W.  F.  Smith,  was  not  seriously 
engaged  in  any  attack  during  the  day,  as  is  stated  in  his  report. 
Neither  was  the  division  of  Gen.  Burns,  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  which 
was  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Franklin,  at  this  time.  .  .  . 

General  Sumner's  corps  was  held  in  position  until  after  11 
o'clock  in  the  hope  that  Franklin  would  make  such  an  impression 
upon  the  enemy  as  would  enable  him  (Sumner)  to  carry  the 
enemy's  line  near  the  Telegraph  and  Plank  roads.  Feeling  the 
importance  of  haste,  I  now  directed  Gen.  Sumner  to  commence 
his  attack.  .  .  . 

I  supposed  when  I  ordered  Gen.  Sumner  to  attack,  that  Gen. 
Franklin's  attack  on  the  left  would  have  been  made  before  Gen. 
Sumner's  men  would  be  engaged,  and  would  have  caused  the  en 
emy  to  weaken  his  forces  in  front  of  Sumner,  and  I,  therefore, 
hoped  to  break  through  their  lines  at  this  point.  It  subsequently 
appeared  that  this  attack  had  not  been  made  at  the  time  General 
Sumner  moved,  and  when  it  was  finally  made,  proved  in  such 
small  force  as  to  have  no  permanent  effect  upon  the  enemy's 
line.  .  .  . 

A.  E.  BUENSIDE. 

THE  ADJUTANT-GENERAL,  U.  S.  A., 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

OFFICIAL  EECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  93  and  94.] 

REPORT  OF  GEN.  BURNSIDE. 

NEW  YORK,  Nov.  13,  1865. 

...  It  may  be  well  to  state  that  at  10.30  A.  M.  I  sent  Capt. 
Lydig,  of  my  staff,  to  Gen.  Franklin  to  ascertain  the  condition  of 
affairs  in  his  front  as  I  was  anxiously  expecting  to  hear  that  the 
hill  near  Hamilton's  had  been  carried.  Capt.  Lydig's  written 
statement  is  as  follows: 

"I  found  General  Franklin  in  a  grove  of  trees  in  the  center  of 


CAPT.  JAMES  M.  LOXGSTREET. 

Ui    V    £•;..  i  .,. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  53 

his  command,  and  on  delivering  the  message,  I  was  informed  by 
him  that  Meade  was  very  hotly  engaged,  and  that  his  men  by 
that  time  were  pretty  generally  engaged.  He  also  added,  'I 
think  that  Birney  had  had  orders  to  support  them.'  I  then  in 
quired  if  any  of  General  Smith's  men  were  engaged  and  was  told 
they  were  not.  I  returned  to  Headquarters,  passing  Capt.  Cutts 
who  arrived  as  I  left  Gen.  Franklin,  and  reported  the  informa 
tion  to  Gen.  Burnside,  who  seemed  at  the  time  annoyed  at  the 
small  ness  of  the  force  engaged,  and  expressed  his  surprise  that 
none  of  General  Smith's  corps  had  been  put  into  the  fight.  It 
was  a.bout  12.30  o'clock  when  I  arrived  with  my  report  at  Head 
quarters. 

P.  M.  LYDIG, 

Captain  and  Aide-de-camp." 

I  next  sent  Capt.  Cutts  with  an  order  to  Gen.  Franklin  to  ad 
vance  his  right  and  front. 

Capt.  Cutts  states  in  his  note  book  that  he  carried  the  order 
to  General  Franklin,  and  the  General  said  to  him  that  it  was  im 
possible  to  advance,  upon  which  he  returned  to  me,  to  show  why 
General  Franklin  thought  it  was  impossible  to  advance. 

When  he  communicated  his  reply  to  me,  he  says  that  rny  reply 
was.  "But  he  (General  Franklin)  must  advance." 

I  then  sent  Capt.  Goddard  to  Gen.  Franklin  with  an  order 
which  the  following  statement  will  explain: 

"I  was  sent  on  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  to  Gen. 
Franklin,  on  the  left,  with  this  order  from  Gen.  Burnside.  'Tell 
Gen.  Franklin,  with  my  compliments,  that  I  wish  him  to  make 
a  vigorous  attack  with  his  whole  force;  our  right  is  hard  pressed.' 
This  order  was  given  me  about  1.30  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and 
I  delivered  it  to  Gen.  Franklin  in  the  presence  of  Gen.  Hardie 
before  2.30  o'clock. 

R.  H.  I.  GODDAKD, 

Captain  and  Aide-de-Camp." 

I  had  before  this  sent  to  Gen.  Franklin  an  order  by  telegraph 
directing  him  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  heights  Immediately 
in  his  front. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE. 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  315,  316,  317.] 

EEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  SAMUEL  D.  STURGIS^  U.  S.  ARMY, 
COMMANDING  SECOND  DIVISION. 

HEADQUARTERS,  SECOND  DIVISION,  OTH  ARMY  CORPS, 

NEAR  FREDERICKSBURG,  VA., 

Dec.  24,  1862. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  my  Division  in  the  late  operations  in  the  vicinity 
of  Fredericksburg. 

In  accordance  with  orders  from  your  headquarters,  my  troops 
were  massed  near  the  headquarters  of  Major-Gen.  Sumner  at  8 
A.  M.  on  the  12th  instant,  preparatory  to  crossing  over  to  Fred 
ericksburg  in  rear  of  the  Second  Army  Corps.  The  crossing  was 
effected  on  the  upper  bridge  by  11  A.  M.,  and  the  Division  took 
position  on  the  streets  next  the  river  and  parallel  with  it,  where 
the  troops  remained  throughout  the  day,  and  bivouacked  for  the 
night,  the  right,  resting  near  the  bridge,  and  the  left,  extending 
towards  the  right  of  General  Getty. 

About  noon  on  the  13th,  1  received  orders  from  your  headquar 
ters  to  support  Gen.  Couch,  who  had  been  ordered  to  assault  the 
enemy's  works  facing  Fredericksburg.  I  moved  my  Division  at 
once  to  the  upper  portion  of  the  City  towrard  the  front,  shelter 
ing  the  troops  as  much  as  possible  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
under  cover  of  the  fences,  houses,  etc.  Lieutenant  Dickenson's 
battery  (E),  Fourth  U.  S.  Artillery,  was  held  in  readiness  to  take 
up  a  position  on  a  bluff  to  the  left  and  front  of  the  brick-kiln, 
with  a  view  to  driving  the  enemy  from  behind  a  stone  fence  used 
by  his  sharpshooters  as  a  breastwork. 

Battery  D,  First  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  was  held  in  reserve. 
Gen.  Couch  now  commenced  the  attack,  but  the  fire  of  the  en 
emy's  artillery  and  musketry  was  so  severe  that  his  (Couch's) 
left  was  soon  broken  and  rolled  back  in  irregular  masses  towards 
the  City. 

Observing  this  disaster,  I  ordered  General  Ferrero  (12.30 
p.  M  )  to  advance  with  four  regiments  of  his  brigade,  leaving  the 
5th  (Colonel  Potter's  51st  New  York)  to  support  Dickenson's 
battery  which  was  placed  in  position  on  the  bluff  before  men 
tioned.  Under  cover  of  the  battery  General  Ferrero  moved  for 
ward  very  handsomely,  completely  checking  the  advancing  foe 
and  forcing  him  back  with  heavy  loss. 

As  soon  as  Lieutenant  Dickenson's  battery  opened,  the  enemy 
concentrated  a  very  heavy  artillery  fire  upon  it,  and  I  was  forced 
in  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour  to  withdraw  it,  Lieutenant 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  55 

Dickeiison  and  some  four  men  and  a  number  of  horses  having 
been  killed,  and  many  others  wounded. 

The  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  which  the  enemy  now  con 
centrated  upon  the  second  brigade  (Ferrero's)  was  terrific,  but 
they  stood  manfully  up  to  their  work.  To  relieve  them  in  some 
degree,  however,  I  sent  forward  the  first  brigade,  under  Gen. 
Nagle,  with  orders  to  take  his  position  on  the  left  of  Ferrero 
and  throw  forward  his  own  left  a  little,  so  as  to  open  a  cross-fire 
in  front  of  the  second  brigade.  This  Gen.  Nagle  failed  to  exe 
cute,  owing  to  the  existence  of  deep  and  impassable  ravines  in 
his  front.  I  then  directed  him  to  move  by  the  flank  to  the  direct 
support  of  Ferrero,  which  was  executed  at  a  double-quick  and 
with  alacrity  and  rapidity.  The  Fifty-First  New  York  (Colonel 
Potter)  was  now  also  ordered  forward  and  moved  up  with  that 
impetuosity  which  has  characterized  this  gallant  regiment  on  so 
many  hard  fought  fields.  My  entire  Division  was  now  engaged, 
and  every  human  effort  was  made  that  could  be  made  to  carry 
the  rifle  pits  and  stone  fence,  but  without  success.  Every  man 
fought  as  if  the  fate  of  the  day  depended  upon  his  own  individual 
exertion.  They  fought  indeed  until  every  cartridge  was  ex 
pended,  and  even  remaining  upon  the  field  long  after  their  last 
cartridge  was  fired,  and  until  regularly  relieved  at  7.20  p.  M.  by 
the  Division  of  Gen.  Griffin. 

I  then  drew  my  Division  from  the  field  under  cover  of  Captain 
Buckley's  battery  (D),  First  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  which  was 
placed  in  position  for  that  purpose  on  the  bluff  formerly  occupied 
by  Dickenson's  battery,  this  latter  having  been  ordered  to  an 
other  part  of  the  field  by  Major  General  Hooker.  .  .  . 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  mention  here  the  names  of  the  regi 
ments  and  their  commanders  composing  my  Division.  They  are 
as  follows : 

First  Brigade,  General  James  Nagle:  Seventh  Rhode  Island, 
Col.  Z,  R.  Bliss;  Twelfth  Rhode  Island,  Col.  G.  H.  Browne; 
Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Col.  J.  K.  Sigfried ;  Sixth 
New  Hampshire,  Col.  S.  G.  Griffin;  Ninth  New  Hampshire, 
Lieut.-Col.  J.  W.  Babbitt;  Second  Maryland,  Col.  T.  B.  Allard. 
Second  Brigade,  Gen.  E.  Ferrero:  Fifty-first  New  York  Volun 
teers,  Col.  R.  B.  Potter;  Eleventh  New  Hampshire  Volunteers, 
Col.  W.  Harriman;  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Col.  J. 
F.  Hartranft;  Twenty-first  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Col.  W. 
S.  Clark;  Thirty-fifth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  Capt.  S.  H. 
Andrews.  Light  Battery  D,  First  Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Capt. 
W.  W.  Buckley.  Light  Battery  E,  Fourth  United  States  Artil 
lery,  Second  Lieut.  John  Egan,  after  Lieutenant  Dickenson  was 
killed. 

The  7th  and  12th  regiments  R.  I.  Vols.  and  the  llth  regiment 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

N.  H.  being  all  new  regiments  and  never  having  been  in  battle 
before,  are  deserving  of  great  praise  for  their  steadfast  gallantry 
throughout  the  whole  conflict.  ... 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  D.  STUBGIS, 
Brig.-Gen.  Commanding  Second  Division. 

CAPT.  ROBERT  A.  HUTCHINS, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,,  Headquarters  9th  Army  Corps. 

OFFICIAL   EECOEDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Pages  319  and  320.J 

REPORT  OF  BRIG.-GEN.  JAMES  EAGLE,  U.  S.  ARMY,  COMMANDING 

FIRST  BRIGADE. 

HEADQUARTERS,  FIRST  BRIGADE, 

NEAR  FALMOUTH,  VA., 
December  16,  1862. 

GENERAL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of 
the  part  taken  by  my  brigade  in  the  recent  operations  against 
the  enemy : 

On  Friday  morning,  the  12th  instant,  in  obedience  to  your 
order,  I  crossed  the  Rappahannock  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Lacy 
House,  with  my  brigade,  and  took  position  under  shelter  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river.  I  remained  in  this  position  until  4 
p.  M.  when  I  moved  my  troops  a  short  distance  down  the  .  .  . 
street  running  parallel  with  the  river,  where  they  bivouacked  for 
the  night. 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th  I  moved  my  troops  farther  down 
said  street  left  in  front,  until  I  came  up  with  the  right  of  Gen 
eral  Getty's  troops.  Here  1  remained  until  12.30  p.  M.,  when 
I,  by  your  order,  advanced  to  the  support  of  General  Ferrero, 
who  was  already  engaged.  I  moved  by  the  right  of  regiments  to 
the  front  to  pass  obstacles  until  I  got  to  the  rear  of  the  town 
where  the  regiments  formed  in  line  of  battle.  The  6th  N.  H., 
Col.  Griffin,  and  the  7th  R.  I.,  Col.  Bliss,  advanced  to  the  front, 
on  the  right  of  the  railroad  in  good  order,  under  a  murderous 
fire  from  the  enemy's  artillery.  The  2nd  Maryland,  Col.  Allard, 
12th  R.  I.,  Col.  Browne,  and*9th  N.  H.,  Lieut-Col.  Babbitt  com 
manding,  being  on  the  left  of  the  railroad,  were  moved  in  order, 
under  shelter  as  much  as  possible,  to  the  railroad  cut,  and  ad 
vanced  from  there  to  the  front.  The  48th  Pennsylvania,  Col  Sig- 
fried,  was  for  a  time  held  in  reserve. 

At  2.30  p.  M.  the  48th  Penn.  was  ordered  to  the  front.  The 
men  marched  under  a  most  galling  fire  like  true  veterans.  The 


LIEUT.  ALBERT  W.  DELANAH. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  57 

whole  of  rny  brigade  remained  in  the  front,  and  did  good  service 
until  after  sixty  rounds  of  ammunition  had  been  expended,  and 
until  they  were  relieved  at  dusk  by  other  troops,  when,  by  your 
order,  my  command  was  withdrawn  in  good  order  to  the  position 
occupied  the  previous  night.  The  men  were  here  supplied  with 
ammunition,  and  then  bivouacked  for  the  night. 

My  brigade  remained  in  the  same  position  until  Monday  even 
ing,  when  I  was  again,  by  your  order,  moved  to  the  front  with 
instructions  to  hold  the  City  at  all  hazards.  I  placed  my  troops 
in  position  on  the  left  of  the  railroad,  and  commenced  to 
strengthen  and  fortify  my  position  by  throwing  up  entrench 
ments  and  digging  rifle  pits,  etc.  At  11.30  p.  MV  by  your  order, 
I  withdrew  my  command  across  the  river  to  our  former  camp. 
Too  much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  the  officers  and  men  of  my 
command.  .  .  . 

The  12th  R.  I.,  being  an  entirely  new  regiment,  some  little  dif 
ficulty  was  had  in  getting  them  into  position,  but  they  behaved 
well,  and  did  more  service  than  was  expected  from  raw  troops. 
Col.  Browne,  who  was  the  only  field  officer  (Major  Dyer  having 
been  disabled  before  going  into  action),  is  entitled  to  much  praise 
for  his  personal  conduct.  .  .  . 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  NAGLE, 

Briga  dier-  Genera  I. 
GENERAL  STUBGIS, 

Commanding  Second  Division  Ninth  Army  Corps. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXI,  Page  324.] 

REPORT  OF   COL.   GEORGE   H.   BROWNE,   TWELFTH   RHODE    ISLAND 

INFANTRY. 

CAMP  NEAR  FBKDEBICKSBUBG, 

Dec.  14,  1862. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  your  order  of  yesterday, 
to  move  my  regiment  through  the  City  and  against  the  enemy  in 
line  of  battle,  found  it  resting  on  Sophia  St.,  near  the  lower  pon 
toon  bridge,  from  whence  it  moved  by  the  front  to  the  railroad 
track  in  good  order.  But  there  the  left  wing  came  up  with  the 
2nd  Maryland,  and,  your  orders  directing  us  to  follow  them,  it 
was  waiting  their  movement  when  you  personally  ordered  us 
forward.  At  this  point,  my  major  (having  no  Lieut. -Col.),  be 
ing  in  charge  of  right  wing,  was  disabled ;  but  it  moved  forward 
in  tolerably  good  order,  and  reached  the  front  early. 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  2nd  Maryland  not  being  moved,  the  left  wing  had  to  march, 
by  the  flank,  and  on  reaching  the  exposed  plain  above,  was 
thrown  into  considerable  disorder.  Co.  E,  however,  and  various 
portions  of  the  other  companies  formed  on  the  colors  and  bore 
them  to  the  front  where  they  were  joined  by  the  companies  al 
ready  on  the  ground,  and  continued  to  deliver  their  fire  until  all 
of  their  ammunition  was  expended.  After  that,  they  remained 
some  hours  and  till  after  dark;  but  receiving  no  orders,  under 
the  advice  of  the  Senior  Colonel,  and  following  his  example,  I 
withdrew  my  command  in  good  order  to  the  position  it  occupied 
the  evening  previous.  . 

.  .  .  Of  the  companies  entitled  to  commendation,  A,  F,  E, 
and  D  are  to  be  named ;  of  the  officers.  Captains  Cheney  and  Hub- 
bard;  Lieutenants,  Briggs,  Lawton,  Hopkins,  Abbott,  Tabor,  Al 
exander,  Roberts,  Bucklin,  and  Pendleton;  Sergeants,  Cole,  Ba 
con,  Pollard,  Ballou  and  Burgess,  and  Corporal  Devolve. 

Lieut.  Tabor,  Lieut.  Abbott,  and  Sergeant-Major  Potter  merit 
especial  notice  for  their  cool  gallantry  under  the  terrible  fire  that 
raked  the  plain  across  which  the  battalions  moved. 

A  list  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing  is  hereto  appended. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your 

Obedient  servant, 

G.  H.  BROWNE,  Col, 
BRIG.-GEN.  JAMES  NAGLE, 

Commanding  First  Brigade. 

Return  of  casualties  in  the  Union  forces  commanded  by  Maj.- 
Gen.  Ambrose  E.  Burnside,  U.  S.  Army,  at  the  battle  of  Fred- 
ericksburg,  Ya. 

Dec.  11-15,  1862. 

(Compiled  from  nominal  list  of  casualties,  returns,  etc.)   .    .    . 

Grand  total  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  12,653. 

I  will  now  endeavor  to  describe  more  definitely  our  position 
in  front  of  Marye's  Hill,  our  retreat  therefrom,  etc. 

By  actual  measurement  taken  since  the  war,  we  find  that  a 
portion  of  the  regiment  advanced  to  within  five  hundred  feet  of 
the  sunken  road,  falling  back  directly  some  two  hundred  feet  to 
where  the  balance  of  the  regiment  were  massing  in  position. 
Here  we  remained  until  ordered  to  retire.  We  were  on  the  ex 
treme  left  of  the  advance  line,  the  balance  of  Sturgis's  division 
being  mainly  to  the  right  of  us,  protected  in  a  measure  by  a  de 
pression  in  the  plain.  Fortunately  a  slight  elevation  interven- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  59 

ing  between  us  and  the  enemy,  with  a  sharper  descent  towards 
the  city,  on  which  incline  we  took  position,  afforded  us  security 
in  a  measure  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy  and  also  enabled  us  to 
move  about  with  some  little  degree  of  freedom  \vhile  waiting  de 
velopments.1 

The  advance  of  French's,  Hancock's  and  Sturgis's  divisions 
was  in  itself  a  most  lamentable  illustration  of  the  fact  that  it 
was  not  possible  for  men  to  be  brought  one-third  of  a  mile  across 
an  open  plain  exposed  continually  to  the  most  destructive  fire 
conceivable,  and  be  found  in  condition  at  the  extreme  front  for 
the  final  assault  where  nothing  less  than  the  sheer  weight  of 
overpowering  numbers  could  have  brought  about  a  successful  is 
sue. 

It  was  expected  that  Franklin's  attack  upon  the  left  would 
compel  Lee  to  draw  from  Longstreet's  division  and  make  it  pos 
sible  for  Sumner  to  push  forward.  Franklin's  failure  allowed 
Longstreet  his  full  measure  of  strength,  which  it  was  impossible 
for  Sumner  to  overcome. 

Why  Franklin,  with  all  the  resources  at  his  disposal,  should, 
after  engaging  Lee,  fail  to  follow  up  the  advantage  gained  by 
Meade's  advance  column  is  looked  upon  with  astonishment. 
Meade  had  pierced  Lee's  lines,  gaining  decided  advantage.  Why 
did  not  Franklin  push  to  Meade's  support  troops  already  in  hand, 
compelling  Lee  to  re-enforce  his  right  from  Longstreet's  division, 
averting  the  terrible  slaughter  of  Sumner's  columns,  and,  instead 
of  accepting  defeat,  achieve  the  victory  within  his  grasp? 

We  retained  our  position  until  the  close  of  the  day,  at  which 
time  the  final  assault  was  made  by  Humphreys's  division.  Con 
nected  with  this,  a  most  splendid  exhibition  of  artillery  practice 
opened  upon  our  view. 

General  Sturgis  having  decided  to  hold  his  position  no  longer, 
his  division  having  expended  all  or  nearly  all  its  ammunition,  to 
cover  his  withdrawal  at  5.15  o'clock,  ordered  in  Battery  D,  First 
Rhode  Island  Artillery,  Captain  Buckley,  which  took  position 
for  that  purpose  on  the  bluff  formerly  occupied  by  Diekenson's 
battery.  (See  Official  Records,  General  Sturgis's  report.) 

Words  fail  to  express  the  grateful  feeling  of  relief  coming  over 


1  Our  position  was  about  one  hundred  yards  to  the  left  facing  the  hill  of  the 
historic  "  Brick  House." 


60  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

us  as  the  darkness  now  fast  closing  in  enabled  us  to  watch  the 
course  (by  burning  fuse)  of  the  deadly  missiles  from  this  bat 
tery,  as  circling  over  our  heads  like  rockets  they  sped  on  their 
mission  to  the  heights  beyond.  Immediately  the  enemy  concen 
trated  their  fire  upon  this  battery  and  our  grandly  helpful  dis 
play  soon  came  to  an  end. 

The  approach  of  darkness  now  enabled  us  to  arrange  for  re 
treat.  Our  colonel,  in  a  few  words  enjoining  upon  us  the  strict 
est  silence,  moved  us  quickly  to  the  left  and  rear  of  our  late  posi 
tion.  Here  again  the  railroad  cut  still  asserted  itself  as  a  most 
dangerous  thoroughfare,  for  having  leisure,  under  cover  of  dark 
ness,  to  lay  our  course,  we  moved  towards  Hazel  Run  as  the  easi 
est  route  to  the  city.  At  this  juncture  a  shell  exploding  just 
above  our  heads  so  illuminated  ourselves  and  surroundings  as 
to  bring  upon  us  a  most  terrible  fire  from  the  rebel  riflemen,  and 
the  deadly  enfilading  volleys  from  across  Hazel  Run  were  again 
in  evidence.  Quickly  responding  to  the  order  to  lie  down,  we 
thus  remained  until  the  firing  somewhat  slackened,  when,  rising 
to  the  occasion,  with  a  burst  of  speed  we  cleared  that  cut,  enter 
ing  it  at  grade  opposite  Hazel  Run,  and  again  in  the  streets  of 
the  city,  disheartened  and  despondent  over  our  inglorious  defeat, 
we  awaited  the  final  orders  for  the  night. 

Waiving  the  usual  arrangement  in  order  of  companies,  it  was 
only  required  of  us  to  remain  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  and  we 
were  allowed  to  cast  about  and  arrange  for  the  night  as  best  we 
could,  keeping  within  call  of  our  officers  in  case  of  an  emergency. 
Many  of  us  found  shelter  in  the  abandoned  houses  close  at  hand, 
where,  soon  unconscious  to  all  surroundings,  continuous  refresh 
ing  sleep  throughout  the  long  winter  night  brought  the  much 
needed  relief. 

The  house  affording  shelter  to  the  writer  and  many  others  of 
our  regiment  was  quite  large  and  evidently  the  residence  of  well- 
to-do  people  who  had  doubtless  hurriedly  vacated,  seeking  safety 
within  the  rebel  lines.  To  all  appearances,  none  of  the  furniture 
had  been  removed.  The  beds,  the  carpets  upon  the  floors,  the 
piano,  the  pictures  upon  the  walls,  the  easy  chairs,  the  sofa  in 
the  room  occupied  by  the  writer  and  comrades,  and  upon  which 
he  had  thrown  himself  in  sheer  exhaustion,  all  remaining,  be 
spoke  a  most  hasty  departure.  Thankful  that  we  had  found  such 


i 


LIEUT.  LUTHER  COLE,  JR. 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  61 

excellent  quarters  after  our  terrible  experience,  securing  the 
doors,  upon  the  thick,  heavy  carpet  we  stretched  our  weary  limbs, 
while  the  night  of  the  ever-memorable  13th  of  December,  1862, 
passed  away. 

The  morning  was  far  advanced  when,  fully  awakening  to  a 
realization  of  further  responsibilities,  we  gathered  ourselves  to 
gether.  As  yet  no  order  to  report  for  duty,  and  no  call  sounding 
for  rations,  our  sharpened  appetites  naturally  suggested  an  in 
vestigation  of  the  culinary  department.  Proceeding  to  the  base 
ment  we  found  the  finely  equipped  kitchen  as  anticipated,  but 
whatever  the  condition  of  the  larder  might  have  been  earlier  in 
the  day,  nothing  now  remained  excepting  a  bountiful  supply  of 
flour,  which  was  being  rapidly  converted  into  flap  jacks.  A  very 
large  range,  an  abundance  of  fuel,  and  plenty  of  water  at  hand, 
with  two  or  three  dozen  of  our  comrades  gathered  together  as 
earnest  workers,  made  it  possible  to  turn  out  flap-jacks  at  a  most 
surprising  rate. 

A  very  fine  looking  elderly  colored  man,  a 'tall,  gentlemanly 
fellow,  belonging  to  the  owner  of  the  premises,  upon  the  hasty 
flight  of  the  family  remaining  behind,  glad,  doubtless,  of  the  op 
portunity  to  show  his  good  will  towards  the  Yankee  soldiers, 
presided  over  this  restaurant,  and  the  way  that  barrel  of  flour 
disappeared  under  his  supervision,  was  something  remarkable. 
After  partaking  of  breakfast  at  our  new-found  restaurant,  we 
returned  to  our  room,  remaining  there  throughout  the  balance  of 
the  day. 

At  night  a  general  recall  brought  our  regiment  together,  and 
our  company  taking  shelter  in  the  garret  of  an  unoccupied  house 
close  at  hand,  was  ordered  to  lie  upon  their  arms,  keep  quiet, 
and  be  ready  for  action  at  a  moment's  warning. 

These  special  orders  fell  upon  us  with  most  significant  mean 
ing  as  an  indication  of  impending  assault,  and,  although  the  im 
portance  of  concealing  our  whereabouts  was  conceded,  the  degree 
of  quiet  desired  was  only  obtained  after  a  discussion  lasting  some 
ten  minutes  between  two  of  our  comrades  (Lancashire  men)  over 
some  trivial  matter. 

How  well  the  writer  remembers  with  what  unconcern  these 
two  fellows  continued  their  conversation  ignoring  all  thought  of 
possible  danger,  and  with  what  concern  the  writer  listened  to 


62  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

the  broad  dialect  peculiar  to  the  Lancashire  men  as  it  echoed 
about  that  unplastered  garret,  escaping  through  the  roof  and 
possibly  finding  lodgment  in  the  ears  of  enemies  not  far  distant. 
Towards  morning  there  was  a  disturbance  along  the  picket 
line,  resulting  in  quite  a  sharp  fusilade.  We  were  all  aroused, 
but  the  firing,  which  was  quite  rapid  for  a  while,  ceased,  and 
we  turned  in  again. 

In  the  morning  we  arose  and  were  privileged  in  having  another 
day  of  rest.  At  the  close  of  this  day,  the  15th  of  December,  un 
der  cover  of  the  darkness  now  fast  gathering  around  us,  we  were 
called  into  line  and  informed  that  we  were  to  move  at  once,  and 
also  that  the  nature  of  our  movement  called  for  the  utmost  dis 
cretion  on  our  part.  No  matches  must  be  lighted,  and  in  all  re 
spects  we  were  to  inarch  as  noiselessly  as  possible,  following 
which,  the  command,  "Attention!  by  the  right  flank,  march !" 
ran  along  the  line,  and  again  our  regiment,  sadly  depleted  in 
numbers,  mourning  the  loss  of  valued  comrades,  but  still  un 
daunted,  promptly  and  rapidly  follow  their  leader,  the  colonel, 
as  taking  the  same  course  as  on  the  morning  of  the  battle,  they 
ascend  the  same  steep  hill,  and  under  cover  of  darkness  Egyptian 
(remembered  as  one  of  the  blackest  nights  in  all  our  experience), 
we  take  position  just  inside  our  advance  picket. 

Here  a  detail  of  men  was  made  from  the  regiment  to  procure 
picks  and  shovels,  and,  upon  the  arrival  of  these,  the  front  rank 
was  called  upon,  and,  proceeding  a  short  distance  in  advance, 
commenced  throwing  up  an  embankment,  while  the  rear  rank  re 
mained  lying  on  their  arms  ready  as  a  supporting  force. 

Little  did  we  think  as  we  lay  upon  our  arms,  almost  within 
the  enemy's  grasp,  that  instead  of  another  advance  we  were  here 
as  a  menacing  force  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  army  from  the 
city,  who  were  even  then  rapidly  recrossing  the  bridges,  leaving 
us  to  follow  later,  if  Providence  should  favor  us,  and  keep  the 
knowledge  of  their  movements  from  our  enemies,  the  failure  of 
which  would  most  certainly  result  in  our  being  cut  off  from  fol 
lowing  their  example,  and  a  change  of  direction  on  our  part  early 
in  the  morning  towards  Richmond,  as  prisoners  of  war. 

About  twelve  o'clock  the  entrenching  force  was  called  in  and 
quickly  and  as  noiselessly  as  possible  we  hurried  into  the  city, 
the  evacuation  of  which  was  in  evidence  on  every  hand. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  63 

A  few  hours  before,  the  streets  were  filled  with  soldiers,  regi 
ment  upon  regiment,  battery  upon  battery,  while  now,  hardly  a 
man  was  to  be  seen  as  we  passed  along  the  streets.  The  muffled 
tramp  of  men  and  horses  in  the  direction  of  the  pontoon  bridge 
told  our  destination.  Hurriedly  we  marched  along,  and,  at  one 
A.  M.  on  the  morning  of  the  16th,  we  recrossed  the  bridge  (ap 
parently  the  last  regiment  to  leave  the  city),  and  continued  on 
to  inspect  our  luggage  left  at  Claybourne's  Run  the  morning  of 
the  12th. 

Arriving,  we  take  possession  of  our  belongings,  make  ourselves 
for  the  balance  of  the  night  as  comfortable  as  circumstances  will 
permit,  and  wait  further  orders,  much  in  the  spirit  of  the  old 
sailor,  who,  as  the  story  goes,  narrowly  escaping  shipwreck, 
finally  made  port,  and,  proceeding  ashore,  indulged  somewhat 
freely  in  that  which  inebriates,  and  in  a  somewhat  dazed  condi 
tion  strolled  into  a  theatre,  where,  among  other  things  presented 
in  keeping  with  the  play,  was  a  realistic  illustration  of  a  thun 
der-storm.  While  this  was  going  on  and  the  vivid  lightning  and 
crashing  thunder  was  at  its  height,  much  to  the  gratification  of 
the  audience,  the  gunpowder,  an  indispensable  factor  in  this  ex 
hibition,  of  which  there  was  quite  a  large  amount  on  hand  in  re 
serve,  unfortunately  ignited,  causing  a  most  terrific  explosion. 
Whereupon  the  old  sailor,  after  being  blown  over  the  tops  of  ad 
joining  buildings,  landed  in  a  tangle  of  shrubbery  unhurt,  and, 
assuming  this  event  as  a  part  of  the  performance,  was  heard  to 
exclaim,  "what  the  devil  will  come  nesct!" 

It  will  be  remembered  that  up  to  this  time  we  had  been  in  the 
service  but  eight  weeks,  had  journeyed  from  Rhode  Island,  had 
established  different  camps,  and  just  completed  a  long  and  weary 
march. 

Why  this  regiment,  not  far  removed  from  its  base  of  supplies, 
should  have  been  while  on  this  march,  forced  to  subsist  on  such 
miserable  rations,  is  a  mystery  as  yet  unsolved,  as  only  on  this 
march  along  the  Maryland  shore  of  the  Potomac,  did  mouldy 
hard-tack  find  a  place  in  our  bill  of  fare,  and  this  the  only  thing 
available. 

It  has  been  suggested  by  some  that  we  were  under  the  control 
of  military  experts  in  the  interest  of  the  government,  and  es 
pecially  detailed,  that  it  might  be  known  how  far  certain  condi- 


64  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

tions  most  trying  to  the  soldier  might  be  continued,  that  our  fit 
ness  for  special  service  later  on  might  be  determined.  For,  when 
through  fasting  we  were  supposed  to  be  ready  for  the  next  course, 
we  were  duly  gathered  together  where  the  piercing  icy  blasts 
from  the  north  pole  could  penetrate  the  very  marrow  of  our 
bones,  the  remembrance  of  which  at  this  distant  day  will  send 
the  sympathetic  shiver  along  our  spinal  columns,  as  memory  calls 
to  mind  our  transit  across  the  icy  waters  of  the  Potomac  on  the 
deck  of  an  open  ferryboat,  during  the  early  hour  of  evening  on 
the  6th  of  December,  1862,  and  our  subsequent  exposure  and  suf 
fering,  waiting  exposed  to  the  terrible  icy  blasts,  while  a  suitable 
place  for  the  next  course  was  under  consideration. 

That  we  were  finally  consigned  to  a  place  especially  adapted 
to  the  purpose  in  hand,  and  that  the  instigators  of  our  misery 
were  familiar  with  the  final  treatment  accorded  evil  doers  as  out 
lined  elsewhere  and  fully  illustrated  here  at  Camp  Smoke  (bar 
ring  the  brimstone),  goes  without  question. 

Now,  while  reviewing  the  events  of  the  last  two  weeks,  culmi 
nating  in  our  terrible  experience  at  Fredericksburg,  where  also 
we  are  offered  as  a  possible  sacrifice  to  engage  the  attention  of 
the  enemy  while  the  main  body  of  the  army  make  good  their  es 
cape,  the  question  arises,  is  it  possible  that  we  are  already  in 
fact,  as  appearances  indicate,  the  scapegoat  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  detailed  as  of  exceptional  brawn  and  muscle,  which  our 
endurance  under  outrageous  discipline  fully  corroborated? 

On  the  morning  of  the  16th  our  regiment  was  called  into  line, 
and,  moving  by  the  right  flank,  descended  into  a  slough  of  bog 
and  mire,  emerging  from  which  we  came  to  a  halt,  having  arrived 
at  ground  assigned  us,  and,  in  order  of  companies  took  possession 
and  established  our  camp.  This  very  undesirable  location  was 
only  a  short  distance  removed  from  where  we  made  temporary 
camp  before  and  after  the  battle,  some  four  hundred  yards  north 
of  where  the  highway  crosses  Claybourne's  Run,  in  a  broad  val 
ley  opening  to  the  south.  This  run,  a  small  insignificant  stream, 
zigzagged  its  way  from  the  north  along  the  centre  of  the  valley, 
dividing  our  regiment  encamped  on  either  side.  Those  having 
shelter  tents  made  use  of  them,  while  one-third  of  the  regiment, 
about  the  number  who  encountered  the  railroad  cut  at  its  most 
difficult  point  of  crossing,  and  who  managed  to  push  their  way 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  65 

up  the  bank  only  after  throwing  off  the  regulation  roll,  were  now 
without  the  indispensable  blanket  and  tent,  having  left  them  be 
hind,  a  most  welcome  gift  to  the  enemy,  who  shortly  thereafter 
gathered  them  in. 

Nearly  a  month  elapsed  before  tents  and  blankets  in  sufficient 
quantity  could  be  procured  to  replace  those  lost,  and  in  the  mean 
time  branches  of  trees  were  gathered  and  arranged,  affording 
shelter.  Some  more  enterprising  burrowed  in  dugouts,  and,  as 
a  distribution  of  tents  and  blankets  was  made  before  the  storms 
came  upon  us,  they  managed  to  overcome  the  shortage,  pulling 
through  in  fairly  good  condition. 

Some  of  our  comrades,  too  many  alas!  unable  to  withstand 
further  privation  and  suffering,  were  compelled  to  seek  relief  in 
the  hospital,  a  few  only  to  receive  the  glad  welcome  accorded  the 
gallant  comrade  upon  his  recovery  and  return  to  his  regiment. 

The  writer,  having  his  equipment  of  blankets  and  tent  in  com 
pany  with  comrades  equally  fortunate,  excavated  for  a  founda 
tion  and  erected  their  habitation.  Commencing,  we  measured 
off  a  space  some  nine  by  sixteen  feet,  throwing  out  the  earth  to  a 
depth  of  eighteen  inches  or  thereabouts.  Cutting  logs,  we  placed 
them  against  the  wall  of  earth,  continuing  these  up  some  three 
feet  from  the  bottom  of  our  dugout.  Placing  a  ridgepole  length 
wise  of  our  structure,  at  a  sufficient  height  to  clear  our  heads, 
we  passed  our  tents  over  this,  fastening  them  to  the  sides.  Ob 
taining  rubber  blankets  later  on  we  placed  them  over  these  shel 
ter  tents,  which,  of  course,  made  us  quite  secure  from  the  ele 
ments  without.  We  also  constructed  a  fireplace,  making  our 
chimney  of  logs  closely  fitted  together  and  cemented  with  the 
sacred  clay,  capping  the  same  with  a  pork  barrel.  We  found 
our  fireplace  very  useful,  the  fire  keeping  our  house  warm  and 
dry,  and,  as  we  sat  and  watched  the  burning  logs,  we  could  real 
ize  in  a  measure  the  comforts  of  civilization. 

Friday,  the  19th,  our  regiment  was  detailed  for  picket  duty 
along  the  northern  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  the  right  of  our 
line  resting  at  Falmouth,  with  headquarters  at  the  Lacy  House. 
Every  Friday  thereafter  while  stationed  here  at  "Camp  near 
Falmouth,"  wTe  were  called  upon  for  this  special  dut}7,  remaining 
on  duty  twenty-four  hours.  Our  pickets  were  posted  along  the 
highway,  from  Falmouth  to  the  bridge,  crossing  into  Fredericks- 

5 

• 


f 

66  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

burg.  Our  duty  here  was  rendered  somewhat  undesirable, 
through  exposure  to  the  cold  blasts  of  winter  coursing  along  and 
across  the  river.  The  pickets  were  relieved  at  frequent  intervals, 
and,  if,  when  at  the  rear  as  reserve,  we  could  have  had  the  com 
fort  derived  from  good  rousing  fires,  we  should  have  had  no  cause 
for  complaint.  But  throughout  the  long  winter  nights  no  fires 
must  be  lighted,  under  which  conditions  it  will  require  no 
stretch  of  the  imagination  to  realize  that  this  duty  "was  no  pic 
nic,"  as  the  saying  goes. 

As  a  rule,  the  road  defining  our  picket  line  ran  along  at  the 
foot  of  the  bluff.  At  one  point,  however,  the  river  makes  its 
way  directly  against  the  bluff,  which  here  shows  rock  formation 
nearly  perpendicular;  the  highway  rising  above  this  nearly  to  a 
level  with  the  plain,  descends  again,  as  the  river  recedes  from 
the  foot  of  the  bluff.  Along  this  highway,  a,t  the  top  of  the  bluff, 
the  wind  at  times  swept  most  unmercifully,  and  at  this  point  on 
one  of  the  bitterest,  coldest  nights,  returning  from  his  post  to 
where  the  reserve  was  stationed  (the  course  of  the  wind  giving 
us  no  chance  of  shelter),  the  writer  found  strong  men  in  tears, 
having  lost  control  of  themselves  through  extreme  suffering.  As 
hereinbefore  stated,  many  of  our  regiment,  having  through  mis 
fortune  on  the  field  of  battle  been  deprived  of  the  indispensable 
blankets,  suffered  exceedingly. 

The  town  of  Falmouth  is  an  old,  dilapidated  looking  place, 
containing  perhaps  1,000  inhabitants.  It  is  situated  at  the  head 
of  tidewater  on  the  Kappahannock,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
above  Fredericksburg  on  the  northern  slope,  and  is  connected 
with  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  by  a  bridge,  which  crossed  di 
rectly  opposite  the  centre  of  the  town.  Half  of  the  bridge  on  the 
Falmouth  side  stood  uninjured;  the  balance  contributing  to  the 
fortunes  of  war,  nothing  but  the  piers  remained  in  evidence. 
The  length  of  this  bridge  was  perhaps  six  hundred  feet,  crossing 
the  river  at  the  height  of  about  thirty  feet.  It  was  a  wooden 
structure  resting  on  piers  of  logs  and  stone.  There  is  a  consid 
erable  fall  in  the  river  opposite  and  above  Falmouth,  the  bed  of 
which,  at  this  place  and  extending  up  the  river  as  far  as  I  could 
see,  was  one  mass  of  broken  rocks  over  which  the  water  tumbled 
in  considerable  volume. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  67 

A  large  mill  here  in  Falmouth  was  still  in  operation  in  a  lim 
ited  way,  turning  out  flour  and  meal,  but  the  twelve  sets  of  stone, 
with  which  this  mill  was  equipped,  an  abundant  water  power, 
and  the  advantage  of  transportation  by  water  to  points  far  and 
near  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  signified  that  Falmouth  had  en 
joyed  no  little  degree  of  prosperity  in  days  gone  by. 

Owing  to  the  long  continuance  of  dry  weather  the  river  could 
have  been  easily  forded  at  the  time  we  were  there.  1  believe  it 
was  considered  by  many  to  have  been  a  mistake  in  not  fording 
the  river  and  occupying  the  heights,  which  it  was  thought  might 
have  easily  been  accomplished  at  the  time  our  advance  arrived 
here.  Burnside,  however,  having  had  experience  in  the  winter 
of  '61  and  '62,  which  was  unusually  rough  and  stormy,  enter 
tained  fears,  no  doubt,  of  similar  conditions,  and  would  not  ap 
prove  of  a  movement  fraught  with  the  great  danger  arising  of 
the  swollen,  impassable  Rappahannock  dividing  his  army.  In 
which  event  nothing  but  the  pontoon  so  long  coming,  could  have 
re-established  communication.  Alas!  how  much  depended  upon 
the  prompt  arrival  of  these  pontoons  as  promised, — our  great 
disaster  averted, — victory  instead  of  defeat. 

The  bluffs  upon  the  northern  side  of  the  Rappahannock  at  Fal 
mouth  and  beyond  Fredericksburg,  are  very  high  and  precipi 
tous,  covered  with  a  growth  of  wood  and  underbrush,  with  maxi 
mum  height  at  the  Lacy  House  eighty  or  one  hundred  feet,  while 
the  southern  shore,  in  direct  contrast  to  the  rugged  northern 
bluffs,  ascends  from  the  river  in  rolling  banks  to  a  higher  eleva 
tion  and  rolling  plain  beyond,  showing  cultivation  in  its  luxuri 
ant  verdure  and  great  fertility  of  soil. 

To  corroborate  his  statement  concerning  the  remarkable  fertil 
ity  of  soil  in  this  locality,  the  writer  will  say,  that  journeying 
this  way  in  the  Fall  of  '92  he  found  a  field  of  corn  covering  the 
plain  at  the  Phillips  Farm  and  all  the  surrounding  vast  area 
so  well  known  to  all  of  us,  and  over  which  we  marched  and  coun 
termarched  in  '62  and  '63. 

Continuing  down  the  ravine  and  across  the  highway  at  the 
foot  of  the  bluff,  he  found  the  clearing  along  the  river,  over  which 
we  passed  to  the  pontoon  bridge,  covered  also  with  a  growth  of 
corn,  the  stalks  from  ten  to  twelve  feet  in  height,  ears  fully 


68  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

capped  with  golden  grain,  from  ten  to  fifteen  inches  long  and 
from  two  to  three  inches  in  thickness  at  largest  diameter; 
while  about  Falmouth,  along  and  near  the  river,  smaller  patches 
of  even  larger  growth  were  on  every  hand,  stalks  occasionally 
sixteen  feet  high  with  corresponding  ears  ready  for  the  harvest. 
In  those  garden  patches  could  be  found  sweet  potatoes, 
squashes,  tomatoes  and  all  things  appertaining  to  garden  pro 
ducts  in  the  greatest  abundance. 

By  the  way,  having  had  experience  raising  pole  beans  in  Rhode 
Island,  which,  among  other  items,  includes  the  cutting  and 
sharpening  of  poles,  taking  them  into  the  field,  making  the  holes 
with  a  heavy  iron  or  steel  bar  of  sufficient  depth  to  keep  the 
poles  erect,  and  then  inserting  these  poles,  mount  them,  with  a 
leap  or  jump,  that  they  might  be  set  firmly  into  the  ground; — 
when  the  writer  says  that  this  is  no  easy  job  he  thinks  he  will  be 
borne  out  in  his  assertion.  But  lo  and  behold!  here  he  found 
peas  and  beans  planted  with  the  corn  in  the  same  hill,  and,  when 
rea.dy  for  climbing,  finding  the  needed  support  already  at  hand, 
would  tackle  that  cornstalk,  and,  after  a  climb  of  ten  feet  or  so, 
giving  up  the  chase  would  develop  an  array  of  pods  in  great 
abundance,  filled  to  bursting,  the  faintest  glimpse  of  which, 
would  make  a  bean-eating  Bostonian  leap  for  joy. 

From  Fredericksburg,  a  wagon  road  running  along  parallel 
with  the  river  and  connecting  with  the  bridge  at  Falmouth,  was 
doubtless  occupied  by  the  rebel  pickets  when  screened  from  ob 
servation  by  darkness.  While  our  soldiers  as  a  rule  made  no  at 
tempt  to  conceal  their  movements  by  daylight,  the  rebels  kept 
themselves  covered  both  day  and  night. 

Although  surprising  as  it  appears  to  me,  through  all  my  ex 
perience  in  and  about  Falmouth  and  Fredericksburg,  before, 
during,  and  after  the  battle,  I  was  rarely  able  to  set  my  eyes  on 
a  man,  with  or  without  the  equipment  of  the  soldier,  whom  I  had 
reason  to  believe  was  in  the  service  or  sympathy  of  the  Confed 
erates.  But  that  they  were  about  us,  and  not  far  distant,  we 
had  most  convincing  proof,  nevertheless.  And  although  within 
five  hundred  feet  of  the  sunken  road,  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Hill, 
whence  the  terrific  fire  could  only  have  resulted  from  the  pres 
ence  of  rebels,  massed  in  large  numbers,  although  comrades 
claimed  to  see  an  occasional  movement,  I  failed  to  notice  it. 


I 


CAPT.  EDWARD  S.  CHENEY. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  69 

That  they  were  in  condition  to  withstand  our  assault  without 
exposing  themselves  to  view,  reflects  much  credit  on  rebel  engi 
neering.  And  to  those  of  us  who  were  in  position  to  observe  the 
volume  of  their  fire,  when,  and  how  delivered,  we  could  realize 
tli  at  on  their  part,  no  ammunition  was  to  be  needlessly  expended, 

January  17th  we  received  marching  orders;  packed  our  knap 
sacks  accordingly,  filled  our  haversacks  with  rations,  and  pre 
pared  to  move  at  once. 

All  things  seemed  to  indicate  an  early  movement.  Sunday, 
the  18th,  passed  by. 

Monday,  the  19th,  regiment  after  regiment  marched  past  our 
camp. 

Tuesday,  the  20th,  it  was  plainly  evident  that  the  "Grand 
Army"  of  the  Potomac  was  in  motion.  This  day  at  our  "dress 
parade"  an  address  from  General  Burnside  was  read  to  us,  call 
ing  us  once  more  to  face  the  enemy.  Our  colonel  had  orders  to 
move  the  regiment  that  night,  or  early  the  following  morning. 
At  nightfall  the  wind,  which  had  been  blowing  fresh  from  the 
southeast,  threatening  rain  for  two  days,  suddenly  veered  to  the 
northeast  and  the  expected  storm  burst  upon  us;  consequently, 
we  remained  in  camp.  It  continued  raining  until  the  morning 
of  the  23d,  when  it  finally  ceased.  This  storm  will  be  remem 
bered  as  defeating  the  plan  of  General  Burnside  to  again  cross 
the  Rappahannock  at  another  point  and  engage  the  enemy  from 
another  direction;  this  plan  failing,  we  resumed  our  regular 
duty. 

Friday,  the  23d,  was  the  appointed  day  for  picket  duty. 

A  saying  had  already  obtained  among  us,  that  when  the 
Twelfth  Rhode  Island  moved  the  storm  ceased.  Sure  enough,  al 
though  raining  in  the  morning,  showing  no  sign  of  clearing  off, 
immediately  the  regiment  moved  the  clouds  began  to  disperse, 
and,  upon  reaching  Falmouth,  the  sun  came  out,  and,  at  two 
p.  M.,  not  a  cloud  was  to  be  seen. 

We  took  up  our  quarters  in  an  old  meeting  house  or  church 
(still  standing  in  1892),  "much  the  worse  for  wear,"  on  the 
heights  of  Falmouth,  overlooking  the  entire  village,  the  city  of 
Fredericksburg  and  the  river  for  a  mile  or  more  in  each  direc 
tion. 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  army  commenced  its  return  movement  the  morning  of  the 
23d,  and  the  highway  was  thronged  with  batteries,  baggage  wag 
ons,  ambulances,  and  men  moving  to  their  old  quarters.  Just 
at  nightfall  I  was  in  the  village,  and  at  that  late  hour  battery 
upon  battery,  ambulance  upon  ambulance,  lined  the  street,  hur 
rying  back  to  their  respective  quarters.  One  need  but  to  have 
seen  this  immense  amount  of  war  material  on  exhibition,  to  have 
been  assured  of  the  great  strength  and  effectiveness  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac.  As  the  enemy  were  opposed  to  us  in  large 
force,  and  disposed  no  doubt  for  desperate  efforts  (as  we  had 
every  reason  to  believe),  we  expected  soon  another  bloody  strug 
gle. 

Through  the  interposition  of  a  merciful  Providence  it  was 
postponed  for  the  time  being.  However,  we  had  faith  to  think 
that  the  enemy  would  finally  be  obliged  to  yield  to  the  irresist 
ible  force  of  our  army,  and  patiently  waited  the  appointed  time 
that  would  bring  sorrow,  shame,  and  defeat  to  the  enemy,  and 
crown  our  arms  with  victory. 

OFFICIAL   RECOEDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Page  3,  Part  2.] 

GENERAL  ORDERS, 
No.  20. 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  ADJT.-GEN'S.  OFFICE, 

WASHINGTON,  Jan.  25,  1863. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  has  directed : 

I.  That  Maj.-Gen.  A.  E.  Burnside,  at  his  own  request,  be  re 
lieved  from  the  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

II.  That  Maj.-Gen.  E.  V.  Sumner,  at  his  own  request,  be  re 
lieved  from  duty  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

III.  That  Maj.-Gen.  W.  B.  Franklin  be  relieved  from  duty  in 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

IV.  That  Maj.-Gen.  J.  Hooker  be  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

The  officers,  relieved  as  above,  will  report  in  person  to  the 
Adjutant-General  of  the  Army. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  71 

OFFICIAL  EECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Page  4,  Part  2.] 

EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  January  26,  1863. 

MAJOR-GEN.  HOOKER: 

GENERAL:  I  have  placed  you  at  the  head  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  Of  course,  I  have  done  this  upon  what  appears  to  me 
to  be  sufficient  reasons,,  and  yet  I  think  it  best  for  you  to  know 
that  there  are  some  things  in  regard  to  which  I  am  not  quite  sat 
isfied  with  you.  I  believe  you  to  be  a  brave  and  skillful  soldier 
which,  of  course,  I  like.  I  also  believe  you  do  not  mix  politics 
with  your  profession,  in  which  you  are  right.  You  have  confi 
dence  in  yourself,  which  is  a  valuable,  if  not  an  indispensable, 
quality.  You  are  ambitious,  which,  within  reasonable  bounds, 
does  good  rather  than  harm ;  but  I  think  that  during  General 
Burnside's  command  of  the  army,  you  have  taken  counsel  of 
your  ambition  and  thwarted  him  as  much  as  you  could,  in  which 
you  did  a  great  wrong  to  the  country  and  to  a  most  meritorious 
and  honorable  brother  officer.  I  have  heard,  in  such  a  way  as 
to  believe  it,  of  your  recently  saying  that  both  the  Army  and 
the  Government  needed  a  dictator.  Of  course,  it  was  not  for 
this;  but  in  spite  of  it,  that  I  have  given  you  the  command. 

Only  those  generals  who  gain  successes  can  set  up  dictators. 
What  I  now  ask  of  you  is  military  success,  and  I  will  risk  the 
dictatorship. 

The  Government  wrill  support  you  to  the  utmost  of  its  ability, 
which  is  neither  more  nor  less  than  it  has  done  and  will  do  for 
all  commanders. 

I  much  fear  that  the  spirit,  which  you  have  aided  to  infuse 
into  the  army,  of  criticising  their  commander  and  withholding 
confidence  from  him,  will  now  turn  upon  you.  I  shall  assist  you 
as  far  as  I  can  to  put  it  down. 

Neither  you  nor  Napoleon,  if  he  were  alive  again,  could  get 
any  good  of  an  army  while  such  a  spirit  prevails  in  it. 

And  now  beware  of  rashness.  Beware  of  rashness,  but  with 
energy  and  sleepless  vigilance  go  forward  and  give  us  victories. 

Yours,  very  truly, 

A.  LINCOLN. 


72 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Pages  4  and  5,  Part  'J.j 

GENERAL  ORDERS,  | 
No.  9.  f 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 
CAMP  NEAR  FALMOUTH,  VA.,  January  26,  1863. 

By  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  com 
manding  general  this  day  transfers  the  command  of  this  Army 
to  Maj.-Gen.  Joseph  Hooker. 

The  short  time  that  he  has  directed  your  movements  has  not 
been  fruitful  of  victory,  or  any  considerable  advancement  of  our 
lines,  but  it  has  again  demonstrated  an  amount  of  courage,  pa 
tience,  and  endurance  that  under  more  favorable  circumstances 
would  have  accomplished  great  results. 

Continue  to  exercise  these  virtues;  be  true  in  your  devotion 
to  your  country,  and  the  principles  you  have  sworn  to  maintain ; 
give  to  the  brave  and  skillful  general,  who  has  so  long  been  iden 
tified  with  your  organization,  and  who  is  now  to  command  you, 
your  full  and  cordial  support  and  co-operation,  and  you  will  de 
serve  success. 

In  taking  an  affectionate  leave  of  the  entire  army  from  which 
he  separates  with  so  much  regret,  he  may  be  pardoned  if  he  bids 
an  especial  farewell  to  his  long-tried  associates  of  the  Ninth 
Corps.  His  prayers  are  that  God  may  be  with  you,  and  grant 
you  continual  success  until  the  rebellion  is  crushed. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Burnside, 

LEWIS  RICHMOND, 

Assistant  Ad  jt. -General. 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Page  6,  Part  2.J 

GENERAL  ORDERS,  ) 
No.  1.  j 

HEADQUARTERS  RIGHT  GRAND  DIVISION, 

NEAR  FALMOUTH,  VA., 

January  26,  1863. 

In  pursuance  with  General  Orders  No.  20  from  the  Adjutant- 
General's  Office,  War  Department,  Washington,  January  25th, 
1863,  I  announce  to  the  Right  Grand  Division  that  I  have  been 
relieved  from  duty  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  by  order  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States. 


LIEUT.  JOHN  S.  ROBERTS. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  73 

I  have  only  to  recall  to  you  the  memory  of  the  past,  iu  which 
you  have  fought  so  many  battles  with  credit  and  honor  always, 
in  which  you  have  captured  so  many  colors  without  losing  a  sin 
gle  gun  or  standard,  and  to  urge  that,  keeping  this  recollection 
in  your  hearts,  you  prove  always  worthy  of  it.  It  is  only  in  so 
doing  that  you  can  retain  for  yourself  a  reputation  well  won, 
and  which  I  feel  will  be  preserved  under  the  gallant  and  able 
commander,  Major-General  Couch,  to  whom  I  confide  you. 

E.  V.  SUMNEB, 
Brevet  Major-General  U.  8.  Army. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Page  12,  Part  2.] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  January  31,  1863. 
MAJ.-GEN.  JOSEPH  HOOKER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Potomac: 

GENERAL:  The  Ninth  Army  Corps,  now  under  your  command, 
will  be  sent  to  Fort  Monroe  to  report  to  Major-General  Dix.  .  .  . 

H.  W.  HALLECK, 

General-in-Chief. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Page  14,  Part  2.] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Feb.  4,  1863. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  HOOKER: 

Maj.-Gen.  Burnside  is  the  permanent  commander  of  the  Ninth 
Corps. 

Make  such  temporary  changes  as  you  may  think  proper. 

H.  W.  HALLECK, 

Gen  era l-in-Chicf. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXV,  Pages  52  and  53,  Part  2.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OP  THE  POTOMAC, 

CAMP  NEAR  FALMOUTH,  VA., 

February  6,  1863. 

COL.  J.  C.  KELTON,  Assistant  Adjutant-General: 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  copies  of  Special  Orders 
Nos.  35  and  36,  directing  the  movements  of  the  Ninth  Corps.  . 


74 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


.  .  It  will  be  observed  that  Major-General  W.  F.  Smith  has 
been  ordered  to  the  Ninth  Corps.  .  .  .  The  Ninth  Corps  will 
be  shipped  as  rapidly  as  the  transportation  is  furnished  for  that 
movement. 

One  brigade  embarked  to-day.     . 

Very  respectfully,  &c., 

JOSEPH  HOOKER, 

M aj.- Gen.  Commanding. 

Realizing  the  tremendous  effort  put  forth  on  both  sides  en 
gaged  in  this  sanguinary  struggle,  when  men  of  science  and 
genius  all  over  the  civilized  world  are  largely  turning  attention 
to  the  production  of  appliances  and  machinery  insuring  greater 
means  of  defence,  or  a  corresponding  increase  in  ability  to 
slaughter,  some  thoughts  naturally  suggest  themselves. 

We  cannot  but  acknowledge  the  fact,  that  from  time  immemo 
rial  the  differences  of  men  upon  approaching  a  certain  point, 
where  "forbearance  ceases  to  be  a  virtue,"  have  culminated  in 
this  summary  way  of  cutting,  slashing,  and  braining  one  an 
other.  Still  it  does  seem  very  unfortunate  that  these  differ 
ences  cannot  be  settled  by  other  methods.  History  rarely  makes 
mention  of  other  ways  provided,  and  I  trust  we  are  following  the 
appointed  way  by  laying  on  "hip  and  thigh." 

From  Saturday,  January  24th,  to  Tuesday  the  27th,  the 
weather  was  quite  warm,  with  occasional  showers  of  rain. 

Wednesday  morning  we  found  it  snowing,  the  air  extremely 
cold,  the  wind  from  the  northeast  blowing  a  gale,  which  con 
tinued  throughout  the  day. 

Thursday,  the  29th,  was  sunny,  warm,  and  pleasant,  and  we 
had  no  more  rain  until  Sunday,  February  1st,  when  we  had  to 
submit  to  another  rainy  day,  which,  though  unpleasant,  was  the 
means  of  clearing  off  the  snow. 

The  day  before,  we  enjoyed  a  visit  from  one  of  Uncle  Sam's 
paymasters,  and  received  our  pay  from  date  of  enlistment  to 
October  13th. 

Tuesday,  February  the  3d,  was  severely  cold,  the  wind  blowing 
from  the  northeast  again,  with  frequent  snow  squalls. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  75 

Thursday,  the  5th,  rumors  were  afloat  that  we  were  soon  to  be 
removed  from  our  present  situation. 

Sunday,  the  8th,  had  orders  to  provide  ourselves  with  three 
days'  rations,  as  we  were  to  proceed  to  Acquia  Creek  the  next 
day  by  rail,  and  from  thence  by  transports  to  Fortress  Monroe. 

Monday  opened  up  pleasantly,  and,  at  three  P.  M.,  we  "struck 
our  tents,"  or,  in  other  words,  dismantled  our  dugouts,  and  bade 
farewell  to  "Camp  Mud."  At  4.30  p.  M.  we  stacked  arms  along 
side  the  railroad  depot  in  company  with  other  regiments  of  our 
brigade,  waiting  our  turn.  At  5.30  p.  M.  we  were  aboard  the 
cars,  and,  after  the  usual  delay,  finally  started  on. 

Although  thankful  that  we  were  called  to  other  fields  of  ac 
tion,  sorrow  filled  our  hearts  for  comrades  left  behind.  Though 
blinded  by  the  gathering  tears,  we  take  a  final  look  afield,  where 
brave  and  loyal  comrades  lie  in  silence  evermore  among  the  dead. 
Buoyant  and  hopeful,  trusting  and  loyal,  they  shared  with  us  the 
hardships  of  the  march  with  ever  ready,  helping  hand  to  smooth 
the  way.  No  more  their  presence  cheers  along  the  weary  road. 
In  battle's  crash  and  gloomy  camp  the  summons  came,  far  from 
kindred,  friends,  and  home. 

"  For  them  no  more  the  blazing  hearth  shall  burn, 

Or  busy  housewife  ply  her  evening  care, 
No  children  run  to  lisp  their  sire's  return, 
Or  climb  his  knees  the  envied  kiss  to  share." 

Proceeding  slowly,  we  did  not  reach  Acquia  Creek  until  ten 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  where,  without  delay,  we  boarded  the 
steamers  Metacomet  and  Juniata,  that  were  in  waiting  to  receive 
us.  Hauling  into  the  stream,  we  here  passed  the  night. 

The  morning  of  the  10th  daw^ned  upon  us  promising  a  pleasant 
day. 

By  the  way,  through  letters  from  home  we  received  the  wel 
come  news  that  a  vessel  had  been  chartered  to  deliver  whatever 
our  friends  at  home  chose  to  contribute  and  send  to  the  boys  of 
the  Twelfth  as  a  reminder  that,  though  absent,  they  were  not 
forgotten.  Later  on  we  learned  that  this  vessel  was  already  on 
its  way  freighted  with  boxes  and  barrels,  the  contents  of  which 
we  were  anxious  to  investigate.  Still  later  on  we  received  the 
somewhat  discouraging  news  that  our  cargo  was  afloat  some- 


76 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


where  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  its  guardians  watching  for  an  op 
portunity  to  interview  some  one  authorized  to  receive  it. 

Having  learned  that  our  regiment  was  due  at  Acquia  Creek 
the  9th,  they  trimmed  their  sails  accordingly,  and,  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  10th,  the  long  expected  schooner  Elizabeth  and 
Helen,  with  freight  for  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Vol 
unteers  having  arrived  during  the  night,  lay  at  anchor  close  by, 
waiting  instructions.  Colonel  Browne  lost  no  time  in  interview 
ing  the  skipper  and  arrangements  were  made  to  deliver  the  cargo 
later  on  at  Newport  News.  Returning  to  the  steamer,  the  col 
onel  brought  along,  among  other  things  found  aboard  for  himself 
and  staff,  two  barrels  of  apples  for  the  boys.  It  may  be  needless 
to  say  here  that  these  apples  were  immediately  sampled  and  duly 
appreciated.  At  11.30  our  quartermaster's  stores  came  along 
side,  were  taken  aboard,  and,  weighing  anchor,  we  started  down 
the  river. 

It  was  a  beautiful  morning  and  all  were  in  good  spirits.  Our 
steamer,  the  Metaeomet,  proved  a  fast  sailer.  The  Juniata  f 
which  passed  us  before  we  started,  we  soon  overtook,  and,  as  we 
passed  Point  Lookout,  at  five  p.  M.,  and  entered  the  broad  waters 
of  the  Chesapeake,  the  Juniata  was  fast  falling  astern  in  the 
distance.  Sometime  during  the  night,  where  sufficient  space 
could  be  found  between  decks,  we  stretched  ourselves  for  rest. 

At  six  A.  M.,  the  llth,  we  turned  out  to  ascertain  our  where 
abouts  and  look  upon  new  scenes.  We  found  the  wind  blowing 
fresh  from  the  east,  and  a  cloudy  sky  threatening  rain.  We  also 
learned  that  we  were  in  Hampton  Roads,  close  in  shore,  and 
within  three- fourths  of  a  mile  of  the  village  of  Hampton.  There 
were  quite  a  number  of  vessels  in  the  Roads,  steamers,  schooners, 
gunboats,  etc. 

Our  companion,  the  Juniata,  lay  a  short  distance  from  us,  hav 
ing  finally  caught  on. 

At  about  nine  A.  M.  we  started  for  Newport  News,  passing 
close  to  the  Rip  Raps,  a  ledge  of  rocks  so  named,  between  For 
tress  Monroe  and  the  opposite  shore.  Since  the  war  commenced, 
this  place  had  been  fortified  to  some  extent  and  was  becoming 
somewhat  celebrated  as  a  place  of  confinement  for  those  under 
restraint,  or  suffering  punishment  at  the  hands  of  the  govern 
ment. 


LIEUT.  JOSEPH  C.  WHITING,  JR. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  77 

We  arrived  at  Newport  News,  landing  at  twelve  M.,  and  pro 
ceeded  immediately  to  disembark.  We  filed  off  the  boat  upon 
the  piers,  came  upon  "terra  firma,"  and,  filing  to  the  left,  con 
tinuing  on,  we  gained  the  top  of  the  bluff  at  easy  grade  and 
stacked  our  arms,  whereupon  our  colonel  leaving  us,  while  he 
made  report  to  the  commanding  officer,  Major-General  Drx,  we 
took  the  opportunity  to  become  acquainted  with  the  sights  and 
scenes  of  Newport  News.  The  Cumberland,  sunk  by  the  Herri- 
mac  9  lay  opposite  the  landing,  a  short  distance  away,  her  three 
lower  masts  and  bow  only  remaining  above  water,  of  what  was 
once  considered  one  of  the  finest  vessels  in  the  service.  What 
was  left  of  the  Congress  also,  after  her  encounter,  lay  one  mile 
below,  the  outline  of  her  hull  plainly  visible  above  water.  It 
was  fortunate  that  the  Monitor  made  her  appearance  in  time  to 
call  a  halt. 

This  place  as  a  military  post,  had  been  built  up  since  the  war 
began.  Opposite  the  landing,  the  buildings  extended  from  the 
beach  up  and  along  the  bluff,  to  the  level  space  above.  The 
height  of  this  bluff  was  about  forty  feet  above  high  water  mark 
for  a  mile  or  two,  in  either  direction  from  the  village,  and  ex 
tending  to  the  rear  from  this  bluff  was  a  level  plain,  half  a  mile 
in  width,  and  in  length  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach.  Upon  this 
level  space,  well  towards  the  rear,  the  different  regiments  were 
encamped,  presenting  a  very  fine  appearance.  The  space  in 
front  of  our  camp,  one-fourth  of  a  mile  in  width  between  our 
camp  and  the  bluff,  was  used  for  drill  and  parade.  The  ground, 
from  the  top  of  the  bluff  to  the  rear,  descended  gradually.  A 
few  hundred  feet  to  the  rear  of  our  camp,  we  obtained  plenty  of 
water.  A  short  distance  to  the  rear  of  our  water  supply  was  the 
swampy  forest  upon  which  we  levied  at  once  for  fuel.  Although 
for  the  last  two  years  the  woodman's  axe  had  told  effectively 
upon  these  noble  trees,  still  a  goodly  supply  was  left  standing. 
That  we  had  arrived  on  more  hospitable  shores  was  plainly  evi 
dent,  even  the  denizens  of  the  forest  contributed  in  choral  voice 
their  greetings  to  the  soldier,  making  melody  far  into  the  still 
watches  of  the  night. 

The  piping  frog  heralding  the  coming  Spring  ; 
Piped  his  familiar  notes,  in  song  continuous. 
While  from  his  perch,  the  owl  sent  forth 
In  dissonance,  his  hoot  and  howl. 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  camp  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  was  about  one-third  of 
a  mile  from  the  landing  to  the  northwest. 

The  following  correspondence  from  the  Providence  Journal 
at  this  time  may  be  of  interest  to  our  readers: 

TWELFTH  REGIMENT,  R.  I.  YOLS., 
NEWPORT  NEWS,  VA.,  March  14,  1863. 

Capt.  W.  E.  Hubbard,  of  Company  F,  was  yesterday  made  the 
recipient  of  a  beautiful  sword,  belt,  and  pistol,  by  the  non  com 
missioned  officers  and  privates  of  his  company,  as  a  token  of 
their  high  respect  and  esteem  for  their  commanding  officer. 

The  presentation  speech  was  made  by  Andrew  M.  Belcher,  as 
sistant  in  the  quartermaster's  department,  and  a  member  of  Com 
pany  F.  The  captain  responded  in  a  few  and  very  appropriate 
remarks,  expressing  his  interest  in  the  welfare  of  his  men,  as 
well  as  his  confidence  in  their  integrity  and  valor  as  soldiers, 
and  assuring  them  that  he  would  never  call  upon  them  to  go 
where  he  would  not  lead  them. 

The  speech  was  received  with  three  rousing  cheers  for  the  cap 
tain,  immediately  after  which  the  quartermaster,  John  L.  Clarke, 
drew  from  beneath  his  overcoat  another  most  beautiful  sword, 
sash,  belt,  and  equipments,  which  he  presented  to  Lieut.  Fran 
cisco  M.  Ballou,  from  friends  at  home. 

The  presentation  speech  was  well  suited  to  the  occasion,  and 
the  new  lieutenant,  although  taken  evidently  by  surprise,  re 
sponded  in  a  happy  manner,  after  which  three  cheers  being  given 
for  Lieutenant  Ballou,  and  three  for  the  quartermaster,  the  com 
pany  "broke  ranks,"  all  well  pleased  with  the  entertainment. 

Such  scenes  have  been  of  rare  occurrence  since  we  left  Camp 
Stevens,  but  they  nevertheless  have  a  very  happy  effect  upon  the 
regiment  inspiring  confidence  in  both  officers  and  men,  and 
thereby  promoting  the  general  good  of  the  whole. 

The  village  of  Newport  News  was  enclosed  upon  the  north  and 
west,  by  palisade  and  ditch,  to  repel  attack  from  the  rear.  In 
this  enclosure  was  the  barracks  for  the  men  and  the  usual  space 
allowed  for  drill  and  parade.  Outside  this  enclosure,  upon  the 
east,  other  barracks  had  been  built.  Nearly  all  the  buildings 
were  of  logs, — some  of  them,  put  up  as  storehouses  for  traders 
and  quartermasters'  supplies,  were  of  rough  boards  evidently 
not  intended  for  permanent  use.  In  extent  these  buildings  were 
scattered  over  an  area  of  half  a  mile  in  length,  along  the  water 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  79 

front.  The  bay  of  itself  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  and  op 
posite  us  was  perhaps  four  miles  in  width. 

As  we  stood  upon  the  bluff  facing  the  water,  just  below  upon 
the  opposite  side  we  could  discover  the  opening  leading  to  Nor 
folk;  to  the  right  wTe  could  see  the  mouth  of  the  James  Kiver, 
and  directly  at  the  entrance  could  be  seen  one  of  our  gunboats. 

In  front  of  us  were  a  few  craft  whose  general  appearance  be 
spoke  their  calling.  The  Galena,  which  will  be  remembered  as 
taking  part  in  the  attack  upon  Fort  Darling,  lay  in  the  bay  op 
posite  us.  Judging  from  her  appearance  and  reputation,  when 
called  upon  again  she  doubtless  would  have  been  able  to  give 
a  good  account  of  herself.  The  Minnesota  lay  one  and  one- 
half  miles  below  us.  If  the  Monitor  had  not  come  to  the 
rescue,  instead  of  the  noble  vessel  lying  now  before  us,  she  would 
doubtless  have  presented  the  same  sorry  figure  as  the  Congress 
and  Cumberland,  undoubtedly  sharing  the  same  fate.  Included 
in  this  fleet  were  three  gunboats  of  the  Monitor  pattern.  These 
boats  needed  no  praise,  and  were  particularly  expected  to  speak 
for  themselves. 

February  the  12th,  the  next  day  after  our  arrival,  it  being 
warm  and  pleasant,  some  of  the  more  enterprising  members  of 
the  regiment  entered  the  woods  and  commenced  logging,  being 
desirous  of  more  comfortable  quarters  than  the  shelter  tent  af 
forded. 

On  the  15th  niy  comrades  and  myself  interested  in  our  particu 
lar  house,  realizing  that  we  were  on  the  verge  of  collapse,  ad 
journed  business  until  such  time  as  we  felt  better  able  to  con 
tinue,  as  we  found,  upon  encountering  the  heavy  timbers  at  hand, 
that  we  had  engaged  in  very  laborious  work,  the  hauling  of  the 
logs  to  our  camp,  some  quarter  of  a  mile  or  more,  reminding  us 
quite  forcibly  of  our  experience  poling  hay  across  the  bog- 
meadows  and  marshes  of  Rhode  Island,  at  home,  with  thermom 
eter  ranging  from  85°  to  100Q  in  the  shade,  an  occupation  desig 
nated  by  one  of  our  townsmen  as  "soul-carting." 

The  16th,  it  commenced  storming,  thus  putting  a  stop  to  house 
building  operations,  but  the  Elizabeth  and  Helen  having  arrived, 
our  boxes  and  packages  from  home  were  soon  afterwards  brought 
to  camp  and  distributed  among  the  eager  and  expectant  recipi 
ents. 

Many  of  the  boxes  filled  largely  with  material  of  a  perishable 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

nature  requiring  prompt  delivery,  came  to  the  comrades  par 
tially  or  entirely  ruined,  through  delay  in  transit. 

My  contribution  of  one-half  a  barrel  of  apples  from  home, 
came  to  hand  in  good  condition  and  received  prompt  attention. 
One  barrel  addressed  to  Company  F  was  turned  upon  the  ground 
in  the  company  street  and  was  immediately  taken  care  of. 

Saturday,  the  21st,  our  colonel  ordered  all  log  huts  leveled 
and  taken  off  the  ground.  This  was  done.  New  A  tents  were 
issued  and  put  up  at  once,  having  just  time  to  pitch  them  before 
it  commenced  raining.  In  the  night  it  snowed,  and  the  follow 
ing  morning  it  rained  again,  continuing  through  the  day.  Upon 
the  whole,  the  regiment  was  better  off  for  the  new  tents,  as  many 
of  the  boys,  having  nothing  but  the  shelter  tent  were  poorly  pro 
vided  for,  but  for  those  disposed  to  provide  better  quarters,  the 
change  was  submitted  to  with  an  ill  grace. 

Wednesday,  the  25th,  the  Ninth  Army  Corps,  here  encamped, 
passed  in  review  before  General  Dix. 

Saturday,  March  the  14th,  we  took  part  in  a  sword  presenta 
tion, — Company  F  presenting  its  captain  with  a  beautiful  sword, 
revolver,  and  sword  belt,  etc.  The  money  was  raised  by  the  com 
pany,  and  the  articles  were  purchased  by  J.  L.  Clarke,  our  quar 
termaster. 

Our  second  lieutenant,  who  had  lately  received  his  commis 
sion  and  assignment  to  Company  F,  was  also  presented  with 
sword,  sword  belt,  revolver,  cap,  etc.,  from  kind  friends  at  home. 
These  were  also  brought  on  from  Khode  Island  by  Mr.  Clarke 
who  had  just  returned  to  his  regiment  after  an  absence  of  two 
weeks.  The  camp  of  the  Twelfth  Khode  Island  was  conceded  to 
be  the  finest  looking  on  the  grounds.  The  streets  were  well  laid 
out  and  were  kept  swept  clean.  The  tents  were  new  and  pre 
sented  a  uniform  appearance.  The  regiment  had  improved 
greatly,  being  well  fed,  clothed,  and  finely  equipped.  Beside  the 
regular  army  ration  in  abundance  here,  we  will  not  forget  the 
ranch  just  outside  the  limits  of  our  camp,  at  which  place  the 
sons  and  daughters  of  Ham  built  up  a  flourishing  trade  with  the 
boys.  The  fine  quality  of  the  oysters  abounding  in  the  waters 
near  at  hand  was  fully  demonstrated  here,  while  the  fried 
chicken,  cake  and  pies,  brought  in  and  sold  at  very  reasonable 
rates,  insured  a  "right  smart"  trade  at  once.  Truly  we  must 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  81 

admit  that  the  institution  of  slavery  had  developed  amongst  the 
dusky  matrons  of  the  South  a  proficiency  in  that  appertaining 
to  culinary  matters,  not  surpassed  the  world  over. 

While  in  camp  here  we  had  occasion  to  interfere  and  repress 
the  fighting  instinct,  now  rapidly  developing,  under  our  generous 
fare  in  camp,  supplemented  by  our  dusky  neighbors  at  the  ranch. 
The  writer  was  in  the  quartermaster's  tent  one  evening,  when 
our  orderly  came  in  informing  us  of  our  company  entertaining 
some  of  the  boys  of  the  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  who  had 
come  provided  with  clubs  and  stones  to  settle  some  difficulty. 
A  very  brief  entertainment  sufficed  for  the  Pennsylvania  boys, 
when  they  retired  from  the  field.  In  about  half  an  hour  they 
again  called  on  our  boys,  re-enforced  in  numbers  and  hoping  for 
better  results.  After  a  very  brief  engagement,  the  lieutenant- 
colonel  coming  along,  we  were  ordered  to  our  quarters,  and  quiet 
reigned  again.  The  next  morning,  as  the  writer  lay  in  his  tent 
looking  out  upon  the  street,  a  party  of  three  or  four  stopped  in 
front  for  a  talk.  Soon  one  of  them  began  to  show  symptoms  of 
a  strange  nature,  and  directly  over  he  went  upon  his  back. 
In  connection  with  the  affair  of  the  night  before,  the  writer  be 
gan  to  think  that  matters  were  coming  to  a  crisis.  However, 
the  man,  who,  to  all  appearance  was  dead,  through  the  somewhat 
heroic  measures  of  those  gathered  about  him,  was  at  length 
brought  to  and  carried  off. 

March  the  18th  a  cold,  disagreeable  storm  commenced,  lasting 
until  the  21st.  It  commenced  with  a  drizzling  rain  which  finally, 
however.,  turned  to  a  stiff  snowstorm.  On  the  morning  of  the 
21st  it  cleared  away,  the  snow  lying  on  the  ground  six  inches 
deep. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  147,  Part  2.] 

HEADQUARTERS  OP  THE  ARMY, 

WASHINGTON,  March  16,  1863. 
MAJ.-GBN.  AMBROSE  E.  BURNSIDB, 

WASHINGTON. 

GENERAL:  By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War  you  will  re 
sume  command  of  the  Ninth  Army  Corps,  and  immediately  re 
lieve  Gen.  H.  G.  Wright  of  the  command  of  the  Department  of 
the  Ohio. 


82  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

One  division  of  the  Ninth  Army  Corps  will  be  left  for  the  pres 
ent  in  the  command  of  General  Dix,  and  the  other  two  divisions 
will  immediately  proceed  to  the  Department  of  the  Ohio.  You 
will  arrange  with  the  Quartermaster-General  for  transportation. 

As  soon  as  you  have  made  the  proper  arrangements  you  will 
repair  to  Cincinnati  and  assume  command  of  the  Department, 
leaving  the  officer  next  in  rank  to  superintend  the  movements  of 
the  troops. 

These  instructions  will,  at  present,  be  regarded  as  confidential. 

Very  respectfully, 

H.  W.  HALLECK, 

General-in-Chief. 

All  were  now  looking  for  the  time,  evidently  near  at  hand, 
when  we  should  pull  up  and  leave  for  other  parts. 

March  the  23d  the  snow  had  disappeared,  much  to  our  satisfac 
tion.  This  day  was  employed  in  the  issuing  of  clothing  to  the 
regiment.  The  boys  were  now  fully  prepared  for  the  journey, 
now  close  upon  us.  The  Twelfth  Regiment  at  this  time  was  the 
largest  in  the  entire  corps,  and  the  finest  in  its  general  appear 
ance  as  regards  the  men,  their  clothing,  arms,  equipments,  etc. 

Wednesday,  the  25th,  we  received  marching  orders. 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  OHIO, 

CINCINNATI,  OHIO,  March  25,  1863. 
GENERAL  ORDERS,  ) 
No.  27.  j 

In  accordance  with  instructions  from  the  General-in-Chief,  the 
undersigned  hereby  assumes  command  of  the  Department  of  the 
Ohio. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Ma  j. -Gen.  Commanding. 

Thuisday,  the  26th,  at  seven  P.  M.,  we  struck  our  tents,  and  re 
mained  in  the  streets,  waiting  orders  to  fall  in.  Meanwhile  the 
cook's  quarters  were  consigned  to  the  flames  and  a  general  scrap 
ing  up  of  sticks,  poles,  boxes,  and  everything  of  a  combustible 
nature  took  place.  It  being  a  cold  night  our  fires  were  duly 
appreciated.  At  eleven  in  the  evening  we  were  called  upon  and 
immediately  proceeded  to  the  landing,  and,  boarding  the  steamer 


CAPT.  GEORGE  A.  SPIXK. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  83 

Long  Island,  were  soon  on  our  way,  bidding  farewell  to  Newport 
News,  where  we  had  spent  so  many  pleasant  hours,  much  to  our 
own  comfort  individually  and  w^ith  profit  to  the  regiment. 

The  morning  of  the  26th  we  were  steaming  up  the  Chesapeake 
en  route  for  Baltimore.  Leaving  the  broad  waters  of  the  bay  at 
six  P.  M.  we  entered  the  Patapsco  River,  and  at  seven  were  along 
side  the  wharf  at  Baltimore,  where  we  passed  the  night. 

At  six  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  we  were  ordered  to 
sling  knapsacks.  This  done,  we  filed  off  the  boat,  and,  inarching 
through  the  streets  of  the  city,  we  stacked  our  arms  opposite  the 
depot  in  readiness  to  board  the  cars,  as  soon  as  the  necessary 
arrangements  could  be  made. 

Realizing  that  we  should  not  be  called  upon  for  some  time,  the 
boys  were  allowed  to  leave  the  ranks  and  look  about.  The  peo 
ple  of  Baltimore  were  very  friendly.  As  we  marched  through 
the  streets  we  met  with  cordial  greetings,  handkerchiefs  were 
waved,  flags  displayed,  etc.  This  was  reciprocated  by  the  regi 
ment,  by  answering  back  in  deafening  cheers.  Assured  that  we 
were  among  friends,  now  that  we  were  relieved  from  duty  for  the 
time  being,  the  opportunity  for  foraging  and  extending  our  ac 
quaintance  was  not  to  be  neglected.  Accordingly,  many  of  the 
boys  immediately  "struck  out"  to  bask  in  the  sunshine  of  hos 
pitality,  and,  in  the  meantime,  replenish  the  haversack  and  can 
teen.  Going  down  street  among  the  many  things  engaging  the 
writer's  attention,  he  observed  a  sign  over  the  entrance  to  a  store 
or  saloon  inscribed  "Ho  every  one  that  thirsts  draw  nigh!"  and 
also  found  that  quite  a  number  of  our  boys,  attracted  by  this 
unique  invitation,  had  already  reported  as  suffering  beyond  all 
measure  from  thirst,  and,  under  the  direction  of  the  proprietor, 
were  busy  sampling  from  numerous  barrels  ranged  along  the  in 
ner  walls,  the  contents  of  said  barrels  being  administered  as 
"Wet  Goods"  of  extra  quality.  Those  sampling,,  soon  pro 
nounced  these  goods  to  be  "A  No.  1"  and  the  proprietor  a  jolly 
good  fellow;  whereupon,  a  number  of  the  comrades  in  waiting 
hastened  to  slake  their  thirst,  and,  filling  their  canteens,  con 
tinued  to  slake  their  thirst.  Some  of  the  more  thirsty  shortly 
began  to  exhibit  the  warlike  spirit  engendered  by  this  kind  of  in 
dulgence,  and  frequent  invitations  to  "knock  the  chip  off  me 
shoulder,"  or  "step  on  the  tail  of  me  coat,"  or  other  remarks 


84  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

equally  significant,  were  extended  to  all,  regardless  of  size  or 
color.  That  the  pressing  invitation  was  accepted  by  comrades 
or  townspeople  disposed  to  accommodate,  was  evident  from  the 
appearance  of  a  few  of  the  more  pugnacious  who  were  assisted 
aboard  the  train  later  on. 

The  call  to  take  the  cars  at  twelve  M.  was  not  promptly  met 
owing  to  the  confusion  wrought  by  over-indulgence  in  these 
extra  special  Baltimore  rations.  However,  by  the  exercise  of 
patience  and  considerable  extra  labor,  the  boys  were  all  finally 
landed.  The  train  started  at  two  P.  M.,  proceeding  slowly 
throughout  the  afternoon.  Late  in  the  evening  we  stopped  at 
LittlG  York,  Penn.,  where  hot  coffee  and  bread  were  served  to 
such  of  the  regiment  as  felt  disposed  to  partake.  We  were  fairly 
on  our  way  for  the  West,  by  way  of  Harrisburg.  After  leav 
ing  Little  York  we  moved  along  with  more  rapidity,  and  the 
next  morning  at  eight  o'clock  halted  at  Lewiston,  sixty  miles  to 
the  west  of  Harrisburg. 

March  28th,  at  1.30  p.  M.,  we  stopped  at  Altoona,  where  hot 
coffee  and  soft  bread  engaged  our  attention. 

At  2.15  P.  M.  we  commenced  the  ascent  of  the  Alleghanies. 
Our  train  consisted  of  thirty  cars  drawn  by  one  powerful  loco 
motive.  Upon  commencing  the  ascent  of  the  range  at  steepest 
grade,  two  more  engines  were  attached,  one  at  the  rear  of  the 
train,  and  one  at  the  front.  As  the  train  slowly  wound  its  toil 
some  way,  not  unlike  some  huge  serpent,  it  presented  to  the  eye 
of  the  beholder  a  most  remarkable  exhibit  of  man's  ability  to 
overcome  the  forces  of  nature.  At  2.30  P.  M.  we  passed  through 
the  tunnel  at  the  summit  of  the  ridge  and  commenced  our  de 
scent. 

Passed  Johnstown  at  six  and  at  twelve  midnight  entered  Pitts- 
burg.  At  12.30  we  disembarked,  and  marched  to  the  City  Hall, 
the  general  rendezvous  for  hungry  soldiers  en  route.  We  here 
found  supper  awaiting  us,  to  which  we  quickly  introduced  our 
selves,  and  had  fresh  bread  and  butter,  crackers,  pickles,  apples 
and  hot  coffee  served  us.  Our  supper  was  accompanied  by  music 
from  one  of  the  city  bands.  We  were  delayed  an  hour  in  the  hall 
enjoying  the  music,  regaling  the  inner  man,  and  listening  to  our 
colonel,  who  addressed  the  Pittsburg  people,  thanking  them  for 
their  hospitality,  after  which  we  left  highly  pleased  with  our  en- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  85 

tei-tainment.  From  the  hall  we  marched  a  short  distance  and 
took  lodgings  under  a  large  shed  adjoining  the  depot,  where  some 
of  us  were  enabled  to  secure  a  short  nap. 

At  9.30  A.  M.  the  regiment  entered  the  cars  and  at  ten  the  train 
crept  slowly  out  of  the  city,  crossing  the  Alleghany  Kiver 
en  route  for  Cincinnati,  via  Steubenville  and  Columbus.  We 
passed  through  Steubenville,  Ohio,  at  two  p.  M. 

At  the  village  of  Means,  a  short  distance  beyond,  we  halted  for 
the  indispensable  coffee  ration,  making  a  short  stop  also  at  New 
Comerstown,  and  Coshocton,  arriving  at  the  city  of  Newark  at 
the  midnight  hour.  All  along  through  the  villages  and  towns  of 
Ohio  we  were  warmly  welcomed  by  the  people.  The  young  wo 
men  were  foremost  in  their  endeavors  to  interview  us,  would 
run  in  haste  to  extend  their  sympathy  and  welcome,  as  the  train 
came  to  a  halt,  and  would  bring  as  gifts  to  the  boys  bread,  pies, 
apples,  preserves,  etc.  "We  knew  you  were  coming,"  they 
would  say.  "We  thought  you  might  be  hungry.'7  "We  are  so 
glad  to  see  you !"  "O  yes,  all  the  girls  are  here,  There  was  a 
great  crowd,  but  the  older  ones  got  tired  and  went  home,  but  we 
wouldn't  go."  "We  have  been  waiting  a  long  while."  "So  you 
have  come  all  the  way  from  Rhode  Island,  just  think  of  it!" 
"Have  left  mothers  and  sisters  behind,  same  as  ive  are  left  be 
hind."  "Now  don't  think  we  are  too  forward."  "All  the  soldier 
boys  are  our  brothers  and  fathers."  "We  have  fathers  and 
brothers  down  at  the  front  Avith  Grant.7'  "You  may  see  them 
when  you  get  down  there."  "This  is  my  name  and  address.  I 
wrote  it  on  this  paper."  "When  you  get  to  the  front  write  me." 
"Do,  I  should  be  so  glad  to  have  a  letter  from  you."  "Why !  the 
cars  have  started!77  "There  now  is  a  sister's  kiss  for  you." 
"Good-by,  the  Lord  save  you  from  harm."  Handkerchiefs  are 
waving  now.  We  scramble  to  get  aboard,  while  the  train  rolls 
all  too  quickly  away.  Who  wouldn't  be  a  soldier? 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  175,  Part  2.] 

CINCINNATI,  March  2G,  1803,  12  M. 
MAJ.-GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK,  General-in-Chief: 

Your  letter  of  instructions  of  the  23d  is  this  moment  received, 
and  I  will  be  governed  accordingly. 


86 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


Nothing  new  from  the  enemy.  I  think  we  can  hold  the  line 
of  the  Kentucky  until  a  column  can  be  organized  at  or  near  Leb 
anon  to  move  against  the  enemy.  One  brigade  of  the  Ninth 
Corps  has  gone  down  to  Louisville  to  be  sent  out  from  there. 
The  other  brigades  of  the  First  Division  are  expected  to-day  or 
to-morrow. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

OFFICIAL   RECOEDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  193,  Part  2.] 

MURFREESBOROUGH,  March  30,  1863,  1.30  A.  M. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  BURNSIDE  : 

Hearty  greeting  and  welcome. 

Want  to  know  if  you  can't  take  the  line  of  the  Cumberland,  or 
put  a  strong  force  at  Tompkinsville?  Have  best  assurance  at 
tainable,  from  constant  papers  to  and  fro  to  the  East  Tennessee 
Valley,  that  no  substantial  infantry  or  large  cavalry  force  passed 
from  our  front  into  Kentucky. 

What  can  and  will  you  do  to  enter  East  Tennessee? 

Yours  truly, 

W.  S.  BOSECRANS. 


HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  OHIO, 

CINCINNATI,  March  30,  1863. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  KOSECRANS,  MURFREESBOROUGH,  TBNN. 

Many  thanks  for  your  very  cordial  greeting.  I  am  glad  to  be 
nearer  to  you,  and  will  certainly  do  all  in  my  power  to  co-oper 
ate  with  you.  My  troops  are  arriving,  and  by  to-morrow  I  will 
be  able  to  telegraph  more  definitely. 

I  shall  occupy  the  line  of  the  Cumberland  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  hope  to  pass  into  East  Tennessee. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General  Commanding  Department  Ohio. 

At  two  in  the  morning  we  again  came  to  a  halt,  this  time  at 
Columbus,  Ohio.  Here  we  found  refreshments  for  the  regiment 
all  ready  and  awaiting  us.  But  the  boys  having  been  royally  en 
tertained  by  the  girls  all  along  the  route  since  leaving  Pittsburg, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  87 

had  lost  their  appetite  for  plain  rations,  and  had  stretched  them 
selves  out  for  the  balance  of  the  night  and  would  not  respond. 
It  was  at  once  evident  that  the  regiment  needed  rest  more  than 
rations,  and  our  colonel  taking  in  the  situation,  after  a  brief  halt 
signaled  to  pass  along.  In  the  meantime  nice  soft  bread  was 
quietly  passed  along  the  cars,  and  all  who  wished  had  an  oppor 
tunity  before  we  started  on  to  lay  in  a  liberal  supply,  while  can 
teens  were  filled  with  coffee  by  applying  at  the  depot  alongside 
the  train. 

At  seven  A.  M.,  March  31st,  we  passed  through  Xenia,  at  which 
place  we  halted  long  enough  to  rub  our  eyes,  wash  up,  and  look 
about  us. 

Starting  from  here  at  ten,  we  arrived  at  the  town  of  Morrow, 
where,  owing  to  a  smash-up  ahead  of  us,  we  remained  until  five, 
when,  again  moving  along,  we  entered  the  City  of  Cincinnati  at 
seven  o'clock  in  the  evening.  After  a  delay  of  an  hour  we  left 
the  cars  and  marched  to  the  Fifth  Street  market,  where  supper 
was  in  readiness  and  waiting.  As  we  marched  through  the 
streets  buildings  were  illuminated,  the  citizens  manifesting  the 
greatest  enthusiasm,  as  cheer  upon  cheer  greeted  us,  all  along 
the  march.  At  nine  in  the  evening,  after  partaking  of  a  most 
bountiful  collation,  we  took  up  our  line  of  march  to  the  ferry. 

Steaming  across  the  Ohio  River  to  Covington,  we  disembarked, 
and  at  eleven  o'clock  turned  in  for  the  balance  of  the  night,  oc 
cupying  the  floor  of  an  old  dilapidated  shed  near  the  railroad 
depot.  We  were  now  on  Kentucky  soil !  No  fancy  ration 
awaited  the  soldier  here  and  the  endeavor  of  the  colonel  the  next 
morning  to  provide  a  collation  for  the  regiment  proved  unsuc 
cessful.  We  remained  here  until  one  P.  M.,  at  which  time,  a 
train  of  cars  having  been  provided,  we  embarked  and  were  soon 
hurrying  on  en  route  for  Lexington.  But  instead  of  the  very 
comfortable  passenger  coach  up  to  this  time  provided,  we  found 
ourselves  scurrying  along  in  freight  and  cattle  cars. 

Passing  through  the  town  of  Belmont,  we  arrived  in  Lexing 
ton  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Here  we  learned  that  we  had 
arrived  at  the  end  of  our  journey  by  rail,  taking  up  our  quarters 
for  the  night  in  the  cars  and  about  the  depot. 

Wednesday,  April  1st,  we  turned  out  at  an  early  hour,  kindled 
fires,  made  coffee,  and  took  a  soldier's  breakfast.  The  regiment 


88 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


was  not  called  upon  to  fall  in  until  half-past  eight.  In  the  mean 
time  many  of  us  took  the  opportunity  to  visit  the  grave  and 
monument  of  Henry  Clay,  which  could  be  seen  in  the  cemetery 
a  short  distance  from  the  depot.  The  monument  is  an  imposing 
structure,  and  upon  the  top  of  the  tall  shaft  stands  a  statue 
bearing  a  faithful  likeness  of  this  remarkable  man.  His  grave 
was  about  forty  rods  north  of  the  monument.  There  were  no 
stones  to  mark  the  spot,  as  his  remains  were  undoubtedly  soon 
to  be  removed  to  the  vault  prepared  for  them  at  the  base  of  the 
monument. 

We  also  visited  the  place  alloted  for  the  burial  of  the  soldiers. 
Here  in  this  cemetery  an  eminence  well  defined,  rising  above  the 
surrounding  grounds,  from  the  apex  of  which  a  most  perfect 
grade  had  been  established  on  all  sides  for  quite  a  distance, 
downward  and  outward,— here  upon  this  eminence  a  large  num 
ber  of  Union  soldiers  had  found  their  last  resting-place.  The 
graves  were  arranged  in  circles,  the  first  circle  enclosing  a  space 
at  the  summit  of  the  eminence  twenty  feet  in  diameter,  with  the 
foot  of  the  grave  against  this  centre  space.  The  second  row  of 
graves  was  outside  this  centre  circle  but  following  the  same  out 
line,  and  so  on.  There  were  several  circles  already  completed. 
The  centre  space  was  reserved,  as  giving  ample  room  for  the 
erection  of  an  imposing  monument  at  some  future  time.  Of 
sculpture  there  were  many  fine  specimens  in  this  cemetery,  the 
monuments  being  numerous  and  remarkably  fine  in  design  and 
finish. 

At  8.30  we  were  called  upon  to  fall  in,  and  immediately  there 
after  marched  to  our  encampment.  This  was  arranged  for  us 
upon  the  Fair  grounds  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant  from  the 
city.  The  situation  was  all  that  could  be  desired,  and  here  amid 
a  grove  of  black  walnuts  and  maples,  on  elevated  ground  com 
manding  a  fine  view  of  the  surrounding  country,  we  estab 
lished  our  camp.  The  Ashland  estate,  well  known  as  the  resi 
dence  of  Henry  Clay,  was  but  one  mile  distant  from  us. 

Thursday,  April  2d,  the  writer,  with  a  comrade,  started  out  on 
a  visit  to  this  celebrated  estate.  Just  before  reaching  the  house 
we  came  upon  two  children,  a  boy  and  girl,  the  boy  twelve  and 
the  girl  ten  or  thereabouts.  Upon  approaching  them  we  noticed 
in  the  features  of  each  a  striking  resemblance  to  the  man  whose 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  89 

memory  we  held  in  reverence,  and,  upon  making  inquiry  of  them, 
learned  they  were  grandchildren  of  Henry  Clay.  We  learned 
later,  that  their  father,  James  Clay,  was  a  bitter  secessionist, 
and  absent  in  the  interest  of  the  Confederates,  while  his  family 
were  occupying  the  homestead.  It  was  a  very  warm,  pleasant 
day,  and  the  family,  which  consisted  of  the  mother  and  two  other 
younger  children,  were  busying  themselves  about  the  premises 
and  looking  at  the  men  employed,  at  the  time  of  our  visit,  pre 
paring  the  garden  for  planting. 

The  wife  of  James  Clay  was  apparently  about  thirty  years  of 
age,  of  medium  height,  with  dark  eyes  and  hair  and  of  dark  com 
plexion, — a  remarkably  fine  looking  woman.  Her  countenance 
bore  the  unmistakable  traces  of  grief  and  sorrow,  to  be  expected 
under  the  circumstances.  We  had  a  talk  with  one  of  the  men 
employed,  respecting  the  family.  He  pointed  out  the  house  oc 
cupied  by  him  situated  upon  the  estate,  rented  to  him  the  year 
before  by  Mrs.  Clay.  He  claimed  to  be  a  Union  man  and  thought 
it  best  she  should  so  understand  it  before  he  occupied  the  house. 
Upon  informing  her,  all  she  had  to  say  was  that  she  rented  the 
house  for  the  money.  Whether  her  husband's  course  was  ap 
proved  by  her  or  not  he  could  not  ascertain  as  she  kept  her  own 
counsel. 

We  were  allowed  the  privilege  of  looking  about  the  grounds. 
We  learned  that  the  house  occupied  by  the  elder  Clay  had  been 
removed,  giving  way  to  another  built  upon  the  same  site.  There 
had  been  no  alterations  made  in  the  numerous  outbuildings,  but 
the  house  was  an  imposing  structure  of  brick  Avith  freestone 
trimmings,  modern  in  style,  and  somewhat  elaborate  in  design 
and  finish,  overshadowed  by  trees  of  large  growth.  The  lawn 
was  very  spacious,  and  around  the  outer  edge  was  a  carriage 
road,  and  upon  either  side  of  this  a  row  of  trees,  hemlocks,  firs, 
and  black  walnuts,  principally  of  large  size  as  a  rule.  Scattered 
about  the  lawn  were  a  variety  of  trees  of  smaller  growth.  Along 
side  the  carriage  road  were  a  few  neglected  flower  beds,  while  in 
the  carriage  house  a  somewhat  antiquated  vehicle  could  be  seen, 
formerly  owned  and  utilized  by  Henry  Clay. 

Leaving  this  historic  locality,  on  our  return  to  camp  we  passed 
the  residence  and  grounds  of  John  Clay,  a  part  of  the  estate  on 
more  elevated  ground,  some  one-third  of  a  mile  from  the  home- 


90  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

stead,  and  took  the  opportunity  of  visiting  his  stables,  and  see 
ing  the  horses,  he  being  reputed  the  owner  of  some  of  the  finest 
in  the  state.  We  f^und  the  stables  easy  of  access,  several  col 
ored  men  being  in  charge,  and  willing  to  show  us  about.  This 
John  Clay,  a  son  also  of  Henry  Clay,  well  known  among  horsemen 
throughout  the  country,  had  a  race  course  of  his  own  for  speed 
ing  his  horses,  and  made  a  specialty  of  raising  horses  and  mules. 
The  horses  we  saw  were  the  finest  owned  by  him,  were  all  trained 
for  running,  and  held  records  not  surpassed  the  world  over. 

Returning  from  the  stables,  our  appetites  by  this  time  having 
become  sharpened,  we  inquired  of  one  of  the  colored  men  if  he 
could  find  us  something  to  eat.  He  took  us  up  to  the  house  and 
asked  the  colored  inmates  of  the  kitchen  if  they  could  do  any 
thing  for  us  in  the  line  of  rations.  They  said  that  Mr.  Clay  was 
sick  and  unable  to  attend  to  our  wants.  However,  a  johnny  cake 
of  large  proportions,  some  twelve  inches  in  diameter,  in  sight 
upon  the  range,  already  done  to  a  turn,  and  smoking  hot,  engaged 
our  attention,  and  it  was  willingly  passed  over  to  us  by  our  col 
ored  friends,  much  to  our  delight. 

From  here,  returning  to  camp,  we  halted  to  watch  the  antics 
of  a  herd  of  young  mules  belonging  to  Clay,  just  turned  loose 
from  the  stable,  and  which  were  capering  around  at  a  break 
neck  rate,  demonstrating  absolute  proof  against  damage  by  falls, 
kicks,  collisions,  or  otherwise.  That  the  cow  jumped  over  the 
moon  at  the  time  the  dish  ran  away  with  the  spoon  we  always 
thought  to  be  extremely  doubtful,  but  that  a  mule  might  have 
accomplished  the  feat  would,  after  this  exhibit,  have  been  ac 
cepted  by  us  without  question. 

Quite  a  number  of  our  boys  having  expressed  a  desire  to  visit 
the  city  the  following  Sunday  and  attend  divine  service,  were 
granted  permission. 

Accordingly,  Sunday,  the  5th,  at  the  appointed  hour,  some  two 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  regiment  fell  into  line,  and,  marching 
into  the  city,  directing  their  course  towards  one  of  the  churches, 
were  ushered  in  and  duly  seated.  Looking  over  the  congregation 
who  eyed  us  askance,  instead  of  the  frank  open  countenance 
denoting  pleasure  and  an  assurance  of  cordial  greeting  at  close 
of  service,  it  was  at  once  evident  that  we  had  landed  ourselves  in 
a  veritable  hotbed  of  secession,  or  had  entered  a  house  so  divided 


LIEUT.   MUNSON  H.  KAJAC. 

i&v 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  91 

in  their  feelings  towards  us,  according  as  the  sentiment  of  union 
or  disunion  predominated,  that  neither  dared  assert  itself.  The 
preacher  also  appeared  to  be  under  restraint,  ignoring  our  pres 
ence  altogether,  lest  he  might  commit  himself. 

In  the  sermon  that  followed  no  allusion  was  made  to  us,  as  to 
when,  how,  or  for  what  purpose  we  came  among  them.  To  the 
goodly  number  of  Christians,  earnest  workers  in  our  ranks,  this 
condition  of  affairs,  when  the  good  work  of  the  Church  was  nulli 
fied  through  political  ill-feeling, — this  exhibition  was  extremely 
mortifying.  For  them,  in  such  an  atmosphere,  the  inspiration 
sought  through  religious  zeal  and  fervor  would  not  develop. 
While  the  ungodly  in  our  ranks,  of  which  a  few  at  least  may 
be  found  in  all  organizations,  who  had  been  prevailed  upon  to 
listen  to  the  Gospel  call,  and  enlarge  their  acquaintance  with 
the  Kentuckians,  instead  of  the  cordial  greeting  hoped  for,  and 
the  expected  exhortation  by  the  preacher  to  repent  and  flee  from 
the  wrath  to  come,  fall  in  with  the  overtures  of  mercy,  and  as 
good  soldiers  in  the  cause  of  the  Union  also  enlist  under  the  ban 
ner  of  Christianity,  and,  with  Christ  for  their  Captain,  as  more 
perfect  soldiers  fight  for  the  redemption  of  all  mankind,  etc., 
etc.,  great  was  their  astonishment  that  no  words  of  encourage 
ment  or  approbation  were  offered  them  as  soldiers  of  the  Union, 
no  words  of  condolence  for  what  they  had  already  suffered  in 
the  cause,  no  warnings  to  flee  from  the  wrath,  no  invitation  to 
fall  in,  etc.,  etc.,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  the  congregation,  as 
a  rule,  held  themselves  aloof  and  all  appearances  indicated  us  as 
most  undesirable,  unwelcome  interlopers. 

Monday,  the  6th,  we  signed  the  pay  roll,  and  the  next  day  were 
paid  in  full  up  to  March  1st. 

Although  located  in  a  land  famous  as  abounding  in  all  things 
for  the  most  perfect  development  of  horse  flesh  particularly,  and 
a  correspondingly  abundant  supply  of  all  the  good  things  tend 
ing  to  satisfy  the  appetite  of  man,  not  forgetting  the  famous 
Kentiicky  whisky,  or  the  prime  tobacco,  both  of  which  we  sam 
pled  in  Baltimore;  notwithstanding  all  this,  up  to  this  time, 
while  here,  in  this  land  of  plenty  for  the  citizens,  as  soldiers  we 
found  ourselves  most  uncomfortably  short  along  the  line  of  ra 
tions,  and  no  way  out,  except  through  organized  raid,  by  pur 
chase  or  otherwise,  upon  the  storehouses  in  the  near-by  city. 


92  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Without  proceeding  to  extreme  measures,  prompted  by  neces 
sity,  as  a  last  resort,  supplies  finally  came  to  hand,  and  also  at 
about  the  same  time,  April  7th,  we  received  marching  orders, 
and,  on  the  following  morning,  at  about  eight  o'clock,  broke  camp 
and  started  on  our  march  accompanied  by  other  regiments  of 
our  brigade  who  had  journeyed  along  with  us  from  Newport 
News,  and  encamping  in  our  neighborhood  had  contributed  as 
comrades  to  our  profit  and  pleasure,  while  on  our  excursions 
about  and  around  this  somewhat  famous  locality;  and,  as  misery 
likes  company,  had  suffered  with  us  the  gnawing  pangs  of  hun 
ger,  and  shared  with  us  the  big  johnnycake  from  Clay's  kitchen, 
— a  veritable  oasis  in  this  desert  of  shortage. 

Passing  through  the  city  and  taking  the  highway.,  a  broad 
thoroughfare  running  in  a  southeasterly  direction  almost  or 
quite  as  straight  as  the  crow  flies,  after  a  very  severe  march  of 
twenty-two  miles,  we  encamped  two  miles  south  of  the  town  of 
Winchester  at  half-past  seven  in  the  evening.  This  was  a  hard 
day's  march  for  the  First  Brigade  and  the  hardest  the  Twelfth 
Regiment  was  called  upon  to  make  during  its  period  of  service. 
It  was  an  exceptionally  warm  day  for  early  April, -too  early  to 
lay  aside  our  winter  outfit,  the  weight  of  which  added  greatly  to 
our  discomfort.  The  grateful  shade  along  our  line  of  march  was 
wanting, — no  rows  of  trees  to  break  the  rays  of  the  sun,  which 
were  with  us  from  start  to  almost  finish.  This  thoroughfare, 
straight  and  broad  as  a  turnpike,  was  undergoing  macadamiza- 
tion. 

Soon  after  leaving  the  city  we  came  upon  the  broken  stone, 
the  first  course  extending  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  after 
which  a  stretch  comparatively  smooth,  and  so  alternating  from 
smoothness  accompanied  by  clouds  of  dust  to  the  roughly  broken 
stone,  where  relieved  of  the  dust,  we  underwent  broiling  as  the 
sun  poured  its  rays  upon  these  stretches  of  macadam  gridirons. 

The  heated  road,  the  uncertain  tread,  developed  blistering  feet. 

The  heavy  knapsack  heavier  grew. 

With  blinking  eyes  the  frequent  look  ahead 

Saw  no  relief  at  hand. 

The  same  continuous,  interminable  stretcli 

Of  dust  and  stone. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  93 

Men,  exhausted,  dropped  from  the  ranks  to  pick  their  way  at 
slower  gait,  and  upon  our  arrival  at  the  camping  ground  assigned, 
twenty-two  miles  from  our  starting  point  in  the  morning,  not 
more  than  a  quarter  of  the  entire  brigade  had  proved  themselves 
equal  to  the  undertaking;  the  balance,  having  while  on  the  way 
taken  a  furlough  without  time  limit,  coming  in  later,  while  two 
or  three  days  elapsed  before  all  the  boys  were  finally  accounted 
for.  The  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  Regiment,  assigned  to  pro 
vost  duty  in  Lexington,  was  left  behind,  and  escaped  the  experi 
ence  accorded  the  rest  of  this  brigade,  which  comprised  the  Sixth 
New  Hampshire,  the  Seventh  and  Twelfth  Rhode  Island,  and  the 
Second  Maryland. 

In  the  absence  of  General  Nagle,  the  command  of  the  brigade 
was  assumed  temporarily  by  Colonel  Griffin  of  the  Sixth  New 
Hampshire,  the  senior  officer  and  hero  of  this  extraordinary 
march,  forced  upon  us  when  in  poor  condition,  from  inadequate 
rations,  while  in  and  about  the  fair  grounds  at  Lexington. 

Although  forcing  ourselves  along  this  highway  from  Lexing 
ton  to  Winchester,  under  such  very  unfavorable  conditions,  we 
could  not  withhold  our  tribute  to  this  beautiful  section  of  the 
country,  which  resembled  one  immense  park,  extending  from 
Lexington,  situated  in  the  centre  of  Fayette,  to  Winchester,  the 
centre  of  Clark  County.  Groves  of  beautiful  trees  alternated  at 
intervals  of  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile  with  the  broad  area  un 
der  cultivation,  where,  here  and  there,  the  stately  forest  tree  still 
held  place  and  usefulness;  while  the  surface  of  the  ground,  de 
void  of  bushes,  briers,  or  noxious  weeds,  covered  with  grass,  the 
incoming  growth  of  early  spring,  presented  for  miles  a  finish  to 
the  broad  acres  on  every  hand;  while  here  and  there  also,  amid 
the  beautiful  scenery  and  surroundings,  the  farmer's  home,  the 
typical  homestead,  the  mecca  of  present  and  future  generations, 
completed  the  picture.  Nothing  to  be  compared  with  this,  the 
hill  and  dale,  the  magnificent  forest  growth,  the  rolling  plain, 
the  clear,  grassy  surface  of  the  ground,  like  a  well-kept  lawn, 
the  unmistakable  signs  denoting  great  fertility  of  soil,  a  rare 
combination.  Nothing  approaching  this  did  we  find  in  all  our 
travels.  Doubtless  no  spot  or  place  the  wide  world  over  could 
be  found  surpassing  this,  the  far-famed  blue  grass  region  of  Ken 
tucky  : 


94  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  ground  assigned  for  our  "camp  near  Winchester"  was  sit 
uated  in  a  grove  located  where  we  had  every  convenience  neces 
sary,  including  wood,  water,  and  plenty  of  grass  upon  which  to 
roll  and  tumble  while  recuperating  from  the  effect  of  our  march 
from  Lexington.  The  trees  in  this  grove  were  perhaps  forty 
feet  apart  on  an  average,  consisting  of  maple,  cherry,  black  wal 
nut  and  the  common  shell-bark,  of  large  size  as  a  rule.  The 
grounds  were  kept  very  clean,  and  no  debris  allowed  to  accu 
mulate. 

Here  at  this  camp  we  had  "brigade  guard  mounting."     The 
brigade  band  would  take  position  and  strike  up  at  precisely  nine 
A.  M.,  and,  as  we  watched  the  movements  of  the  guard  as  they  ap 
proached  simultaneously  from  their  respective  regiments  to  take 
the  place  assigned  them,  we  were  impressed  with  the  beauty  of 
the  scene.     The  guard  approaching  take  their  place    and  the 
music  ceases;  the  camp  guard  upon  the  right  of  the  line  with 
nothing  but  gun  and  equipment,  the  picket  upon  the  left  with 
canteen,  haversack  and  blanket  in  addition.      The  line  arriving 
at  formation,  the  sergeant-major  who  arranges  it,  makes  a  "pre 
sent"  tp  the  commanding  officer,  and  immediately  takes  his  place 
upon  the  left,  after  which  the  order  is  given,    "Front!"     Upon 
this,  the  commissioned  officers  march  twelve  paces  in  front  of  the 
line,  the  sergeants  eight  and  the  corporals  four.     The  officer  in 
command  advances  and  gives  special  instruction  to  all  the  officers 
in  person.     He  then  returns  to  his  position  and  gives  the  order, 
"Officers  and  non-commissioned  officers,  about  face!"     "Inspect 
your  guards!"     The  lieutenants  inspect  the  front  rank,  the  ser 
geants  the  rear,  while  the  band  plays  during  inspection.     Inspec 
tion  over,  the  music  ceases  and  the  officers  return  to  their  places 
in  line.     Then  from   the  commanding  officer  comes  the  order, 
"Troop  beat  off!"  at  which  the  band  commences  playing  a  slow 
march,  and,  coming  to  the  front,  proceeds  the  length  of  the  line. 
After  going  through  the  manoeuvres  bringing  them  to  an  "about 
face,"  they  return  playing  a  quickstep,  and  take  their  former 
position.     Then  the  order,  "By  platoons!  right  wheel!  march!" 
Immediately  upon  the  completion  of  the  half-wheel  which  brings 
them  from  line  of  battle  into  column,  the  order  is  given,  "Pass 
in  review!   column   forward!   guide  right!   march!"     The  band 
again  strikes  up,  the  first  platoon  make  a  left  half-wheel,  and 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  95 

inarch  forward  preceded  by  the  band.  The  other  platoons  com 
ing  up,  wheel  upon  the  same  spot  as  the  first.  After  marching 
forward  a  certain  distance,  another  left  half-wheel  is  made. 
Marching  straight  forward  from  this,  they  pass  the  officer  of  the 
day,  who  takes  position  directly  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the 
line.  As  before  moving,  the  officer  in  command  of  the  guard  had 
placed  himself  upon  the  right  of  the  first  platoon  and  directed 
the  movement  of  the  column.  As  each  platoon  passes  in  front 
of  the  officer  of  the  day,  the  officers  in  charge  of  their  respective 
platoons,  come  to  a  "present,"  salute,  and  pass  on, — the  camp 
guard  to  the  relief  of  the  old  guard,  the  picket  to  place  assigned, 
—the  band  ceases  playing,  and  the  review  ends. 

This  brigade  guard  mounting  is  a  most  impressive  and  impos 
ing  spectacle. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  242,  Part  2.] 

CINCINNATI,  OHIO,  April  15,  1863. 
MAJ.-GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK,  General-in-Chief: 

The  enemy  attempted  to  cross  the  Cumberland  at  Kobertsport 
last  night,  but  retreated  as  soon  as  our  forces  made  their  ap 
pearance. 

All  quiet  this  morning. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-  General. 


CINCINNATI,  April  15,  1863. 

GEN.  WILLCOX,  LEXINGTON,  KY.  : 

In  the  absence  of  more  definite  information  from  Wolford,  the 
disposition  of  the  troops  can  remain  as  they  are  for  the  present. 
If  it  should  prove  that  the  enemy  have  really  crossed  in  force, 
you  must  concentrate  our  forces  at  a  point  where  we  can  meet 
them.  The  forces  at  Lebanon  are  held  in  readiness  to  co-operate 
with  Carter  at  a  moment's  notice.  It  may  become  necessary  for 
us  to  move  the  whole  of  Sturgis's  division  down  to  Richmond. 
If  the  emergency  arises,  give  such  orders  as  you  may  deem  neces 
sary,  and  you  will  be  sustained.  Keep  your  operators  on  the 


96  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

alert,  and  instruct  your  officers  in  the  advance  to  send  you  fre 
quent  reports  which  you  can  transmit  to  the  headquarters.  I 
cannot  believe  that  the  enemy  is  crossing  in  a  force  equal  to 
what  we  can  concentrate  to  meet  them. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 
Major-General  Commanding  Department. 

Thursday,  the  16th,  at  five  p.  M.,  we  again  received  marching 
orders,  with  instruction  to  "pack  knapsacks"  and  be  ready  to 
march  immediately.  At  six  we  struck  tents,  and  in  half  an  hour 
were  marching,  in  company  with  the  rest  of  our  brigade,  in  the 
direction  of  Boonsboro,  and,  after  a  short  march  of  five 
miles,  encamped  for  the  night  on  the  heights  overlooking  the  val 
ley  of  the  Kentucky  River. 

As  we  were  about  to  cross  the  river  at  Boonsboro,  our 
thoughts  turned  towards  that  remarkable  man  from  whom  this 
settlement  derived  its  name.  For,  on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware, 
at  Bristol,  Pennsylvania,  the  llth  of  February,  1735,  a  child  was 
born,  inheriting  from  his  parents  a  constitution  insuring  longev 
ity,  a  frame  fitted  for  the  long  career  of  toil  and  exertion  which 
awaited  him.  At  the  age  of  three  his  parents  removed  to  Read 
ing,  Pennsylvania,  then  a  frontier  settlement,  where  the  conversa 
tions  of  his  childhood  were  the  strategy  of  the  savage.  At  an 
early  age  we  find  that  young  Boone,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
had  acquired  a  reputation  among  his  people  for  acts  of  skill  and 
courage,  fitting  him  for  leadership.  In  this  frontier  school  he 
had  sprung  at  once  to  superior  scholarship.  The  rifle  was,  in  his 
hand,  unerring  as  the  bow  of  Robin  Hood.  He  learned  lessons 
of  the  snow  and  the  leaves  and  the  moss,  and  to  detect  with 
quick  eye  the  tread  of  foot, — to  rival  the  sagacity  of  the  hound, 
the  cunning  of  the  Indian  warrior.  At  eighteen  he  is  with  his 
father's  family  among  the  mountains  in  westefti  North  Carolina, 
about  the  year  1753.  With  Braddock,  Washington  was  learning 
the  art  of  war,  while  Daniel  Boone  was  learning  to  be  the  mas 
ter  in  another  strife,  and  to  accomplish  results  following  upon 
the  victories  won,  and  peace  established,  to  which  Washington 
gave  his  strength. 

On  the  7th  of  June,  1769,  six  men,  weary  and  way-worn,  wound 
their  way  up  the  steep  side  of  a  rugged  mountain  in  the  wilder- 


CAPT.  WILLIAM  E.  HUBBARD. 

-' 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  97 

ness  of  Kentucky.  The  leader  of  the  party  was  of  full  size,  with 
a  hardy,  robust  frame,  and  keen,  piercing,  hazel  eyes  that  glanced 
with  quickness  at  every  object  as  they  passed  on;  now  cast  for 
ward  in  the  direction  they  were  traveling  for  signs  of  an  old 
trail,  and  in  the  same  moment  directed  askance  into  the  dense 
thicket,  or  into  the  deep  ravine,  as  if  watching  some  concealed 
enemy.  The  reader  will  recognize  in  this  man  the  pioneer  Boone 
and  his  companions. 

Early  in  May,  1770,  we  find  him  alone,  exploring  this  section 
of  Kentucky,  the  sole  survivor  of  his  party,  the  only  one  escap 
ing  the  attack  of  the  wily  savage,  who  in  him — their  superior  in 
all  their  artful  cunning  and  strategy — in  him  they  had  found 
their  master.  Returning  to  civilization,  he  lays  before  his  coun 
trymen  the  wonderfully  beautiful  country,  the  white  man's  op 
portunity!  The  hunters  paradise!  Early  in  1775  we  find  him 
at  the  head  of  an  organized  company  of  men  well  armed,  on  an 
expedition  to  the  Kentucky  River  for  the  purpose  of  survey  and 
settlement. 

On  the  22d  day  of  March,  having  arrived  within  fifteen  miles 
of  where  we  were  now  encamped,  they  were  attacked  by  the  sav 
ages;  three  days  later  they  were  again  attacked,  and  in  the  two 
encounters  lost  four  men  killed  and  four  wounded.  Hastening 
to  the  river,  they  selected  a  site  for  their  fortress,  and  on  the  1st 
day  of  April  commenced  erecting  a  stockade  fort,  which  was 
called  Boonsboro.  The  Indians,  stung  to  madness  that  white 
people  should  erect  buildings  on  their  hunting  grounds,  repeated 
their  attack  without  success,  for,  on  the  14th  of  June,  the  works 
were  so  far  completed  as  to  afford  adequate  defence.  The  fort 
having  been  completed,  Boone  left  the  men  to  guard  it,  and  pre 
pare  ground  for  a  crop,  while  he  returned  for  his  family,  his  wife 
and  daughters  being  the  first  white  women  that  ever  stood  on 
the  banks  of  the  Kentucky  River. 

Owing  to  delay  while  crossing  the  river,  we  remained  in  camp 
until  ten  A.  M.  The  cavalry  accompanying  us  commenced  cross 
ing  early  in  the  morning,  and,  at  ten,  the  Twelfth  were  ordered 
to  fall  in.  After  a  march  of  a  mile,  we  arrived  upon  the  edge  of 
the  river  at  the  place  of  crossing  in  time  to  see  the  last  of  the 
cavalry  pass  over. 

7 


98  HISTORY   OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  river  at  point  of  crossing  was  perhaps  five  or  six  hundred 
feet  in  width  and  the  conveniences  for  overcoming  this  obstacle 
were  two  scows  or  pontoons  on  each  of  which  forty  men  could 
be  taken  over  at  once,  and  so  shaped  that  our  teams  could  be 
driven  on  or  off  at  either  end.  The  river  was  comparatively  shal 
low  at  this  place,  and  the  mode  of  propelling  was  by  pushing 
with  poles.  Some  of  the  teams,  consisting  of  a  government 
wagon  and  four  mules  each,  were  in  readiness  and  crossed  with 
our  regiment.  This  was  accomplished  by  driving  one  of  the 
teams  on  the  scow,  while  the  remaining  space  was  taken  up  by 
the  soldiers.  The  scow  was  poled  across,  the  team  was  driven 
off,  and  the  balance  of  the  cargo  disposed  of.  The  method 
adopted  by  the  driver  of  mule  teams,  sitting  upon  the  near  wheel 
mule,  using  one  rein  and  vociferating  loudly  in  language  under 
stood  only  by  the  mule  and  himself,  was,  by  most  of  our  boys, 
looked  upon  as  something  quite  incomprehensible.  These  scows 
were  hardly  wide  enough  to  accommodate  the  wheels  of  the  wag 
ons,  and  it  required  no  little  degree  of  skill  to  drive  on  and  off 
without  accident.  While  driving  one  of  the  teams  off,  the  near 
wheel  mule  was  crowded  off  the  scow,  throwing  his  rider  head 
and  ears  under  water.  The  man  upon  gaining  the  surface  was 
soon  ashore,  and  the  mule,  after  floundering  awhile,  secured  a 
foothold,  and  the  wagon  was  drawn  off  and  on  its  way.  The  next 
that  crossed,  the  driver,  hoping  to  profit  by  the  misfortunes  of 
his  predecessor,  dismounted  and  attempted  to  lead  his  team  off. 
This  time  the  mules  again  crowding  one  another,  over  goes  one 
of  them  into  the  stream.  This  looked  like  a  desperate  case  of 
broken  legs  and  death  by  drowning.  However,  after  some  little 
effort,  the  mule  was  loosed  from  its  harness,  the  wagon  drawn 
off,  and,  through  the  combined  efforts  of  half  a  dozen  men,  the 
unlucky  mule  was  finally  drawn  from  the  river  and  ready  again 
for  business.  Ours  was  the  third  company  across,  and  passing 
up  the  bank  we  continued  on  half  a  mile  and  rested  there  until 
the  balance  of  our  regiment  came  up. 

The  Kentucky  Biver  at  this  place  is  bounded  upon  either  side 
by  a  range  of  hills,  akin  to  mountains.  As  we  approached  the 
river  many  novel  and  interesting  features  presented  themselves, 
reminding  us  of  our  first  experience  in  mountainous  regions. 
From  our  camp  where  we  passed  the  night  upon  the  height,  the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  99 

road  to  the  ferry  wound  along  the  sides  of  the  hills  and  through 
ravines;  and  in  this  way  the  river  was  gained  by  gradual  and 
easy  descent.  As  we  left  camp  the  beautiful  fields,  the  green 
hills,  the  grassy  vales  disappeared,  giving  place  to  rough,  precipi 
tous  hills,  whose  rocky  sides  presented  a  striking  contrast  to  the 
scenes  we  left  behind.  As  we  neared  the  river,  upon  the  opposite 
side  to  the  left,  was  a  ledge  of  limestone  several  hundred  feet  in 
length,  rising  from  the  surface  of  the  water  some  two  or  three 
hundred  feet,  nearly  or  quite  perpendicular;  its  surface,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  seams  and  crevasses,  smooth  and  white 
as  finished  marble,  resembling  the  wall  of  some  great  fortress. 
This  was  an  object  grand  and  picturesque,  an  impressive  and 
imposing  exhibit  of  nature's  handiwork.  The  river  rolling  slug 
gishly  along,  deeply  imbedded  in  the  hills,  could  not  be  discerned 
until  we  were  almost  upon  its  very  edge. 

Approaching  the  river  from  our  encampment  upon  the  north 
ern  heights  we  came  upon  two  or  three  small  houses  nestling  un 
der  the  bluff  close  by  the  water  with  barely  arable  ground  enough 
adjoining  to  make  a  small  garden  spot  for  the  occupants.  Upon 
the  opposite  side  we  found  more  buildings,  and,  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  ferry,  considerable  land  under  cultivation.  Here, 
also,  upon  the  southern  bank  of  the  river  we  were  shown  the  spot 
where  Boone  built  his  fortress.  We  also  filled  our  canteens  from 
Boone's  spring,  so  called  in  honor  of  the  old  hero,  a  large  pool 
of  water  some  ten  feet  in  diameter,  partly  filled  with  broken 
stone  and  leaves  from  the  tall,  scattering  trees  overshadowing 
it;  and,  as  we  took  a  draught  from  its  clear  waters,  we  thought 
how  often  he  had  visited  the  self-same  spot,  and  wondered  at 
the  courage  and  perseverance  of  the  man,  who,  while  exploring 
this  country,  was  deprived  of  his  associates,  but  still  faithful  to 
his  trust  continued  his  work  alone,  surrounded  by  hostile  Indi 
ans,  relying  upon  his  thorough  knowledge  of  Indian  method,  and 
manoeuvre,  to  counteract  efforts  put  forth  for  his  destruction. 
That  he  was  prepared,  ordained,  and  protected  by  an  overruling 
Providence,  for  this  special  work  in  the  interests  of  humanity, 
we  believe,  as  we  render  homage  to  the  ability,  the  unswerving 
fidelity  and  the  undaunted  bravery  of  the  famous  Kentucky  pio 
neer. 


100  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

We  halted  here  one  hour,  when,  the  balance  of  our  regiment 
joining  us,  we  began  the  slow  and  toilsome  work  of  ascending 
the  hills.  It  was  a  very  warm  day,  and,  though  halting  often, 
the  march  was  a  tedious  one.  Before  reaching  the  top,  we  halted 
for  the  rest  of  the  brigade  to  come  up.  This  was  about  two  p.  M. 
Again  falling  in,  we  soon  reached  the  summit  of  the  hill  and 
emerged  once  more  into  a  country  beautiful  as  the  one  we  had 
left  behind  us.  At  the  junction  of  the  river  road  with  the  Lex 
ington  and  Kichmond  pike  we  halted  again,  and  rested  for  two 
hours.  At  this  place  General  Nagle  and  staff  passed  in  ad 
vance  of  us  and  arranged  for  our  encampment  at  night.  The 
grounds  assigned  were  about  three  miles  from  our  halting-place, 
and  four  from  Richmond.  At  six  p.  M.,  while  on  our  way,  the 
Fourteenth  Kentucky  Cavalry  passed  us,  begrimed  with  dust  and 
dirt,  and  looking  like  the  war-worn  veterans  they  really  were. 
Their  experience  had  been  mostly  with  the  guerillas  that  infested 
this  state,  and  whom  they  fought  with  a  vengeance  born  of  long 
suffering  through  their  depredations. 

Saturday,  the  18th,  at  seven  in  the  morning  we  were  again  in 
line  and  upon  the  march,  passing  through  Kichmond  at  ten,  and 
at  eleven  A.  M.  broke  ranks  on  our  camping  ground  two  miles  be 
yond.  Upon  this  ground  and  vicinity,  Aug.  30,  1862,  the  bat 
tle  of  Richmond  was  fought,  in  which  engagement  our  soldiers 
were  defeated,  losing  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed  and  three  hun 
dred  and  fifty  wounded.  The  trees  about  here,  on  every  hand, 
bore  marks  of  the  struggle  which  ensued.  Many  of  the  branches 
were  torn  off,  and  in  the  trunk  of  one  large  cherry  tree  1  counted 
seven  ball  holes.  It  was  a  desperate  struggle  against  odds,  the 
enemy  outnumbering  us  four  to  one. 

OFFICIAL  RECOBDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  238,  Part  2.] 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  OHIO, 

April  14,  1863. 
GEN.  WILLCOX,  LEXINGTON,  KY.: 

The  following  orders  have  just  been  sent  to  Gen.  Wright: 
"Carter  confirms  the  report  that  the  enemy"  were  at  Columbia 
last  night.  Move  your  cavalry  force  from  Lebanon  on  Columbia 
via  Campbellsville  to  co-operate  with  Carter's  force  from  Hus- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  101 

tonville  to  Columbia.  Let  the  commanding  officer  keep  his 
scouts  well  out,  to  avoid  being  surprised,  in  case  the  enemy 
should  be  moving  with  his  whole  force  on  Lebanon.  Hold  the 
infantry  force  at  Lebanon,  and  all  the  forces  at  Glasgow  ready 
to  move  at  a  moment's  notice,  with  three  days'  provisions.  Send 
me  frequent  reports,  and  tell  Carter  to  send  full  information  of 
the  movements  of  the  enemy." 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 
Major-General    Commanding  Department  of  the  Ohio. 

CORRESPONDENCE   OF  PROVIDENCE   JOURNAL. 

TWELFTH  REGIMENT  R.  I.  VOLS., 

NEAR  WINCHESTER,  KY., 

April  16,  1863. 

When  the  soldier  takes  up  his  musket  and  enters  the  field  he  is 
no  longer  supposed  to  be  master  of  his  own  movements,  nor  able 
to  tell  in  the  morning  on  what  spot  of  ground  he  will  rest  his 
weary  limbs  at  night. 

But  if  any  one  had  predicted  at  Camp  Stevens,  in  October  last, 
that  the  Twelfth  Regiment  would  twice  cross  Long  Bridge,  pitch 
its  tents  on  Arlington  Heights,  and  at  Fairfax  Seminary  per 
form  a  march  of  80  miles  down  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Poto 
mac,  cross  to  Acquia  Creek,  and  march  to  the  disastrous  field  of 
Fredericksburg,  pass  two  months  in  shelter  tents  in  the  dead  of 
winter  at  Falmouth,  do  picket  duty  on  the  Rappahannock,  em 
bark  again  at  Acquia  Creek  and  sail  down  the  Potomac,  and  pass 
the  very  spot  that  witnessed  the  exploits  of  the  Merrimac  and 
the  Monitor,  spend  a  month  in  pleasant  recreation  at  Newport 
News,  sail  the  length  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  thence  across  the  Al- 
leghanies  into  the  heart  of  old  Kentucky,  a  distance  of  1,000 
miles,  to  encamp  in  a  grassy  grove  near  the  home  of  Henry  Clay; 
such  a  person  would  have  been  pronounced  a  false  prophet,  and 
in  danger  of  finding  lodgings  in  that  spacious  building  near  See- 
konk  River,  provided  for  people  of  dilapidated  intellect. 

Yet  such  is  a  brief  outline  of  our  short,  though  somewhat 
eventful  experience. 

Our  first  stopping  place  in  this  state  was  Lexington,  one  of  the 
oldest  and  most  wealthy  towns  in  Kentucky.  .  .  . 

Our  march  to  Winchester  was  performed  in  one  day,  a  distance 
of  23  miles,  over  a  macadamized  road,  through  a  most  rich,  and 
beautiful  country. 

There  were  no  forests,  and  the  only  wood  to  be  seen  standing 
was  in  groves  or  woodland  pastures. 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Broad  farms  stretched  out  to  the  right  and  left,  adorned  by 
grand  old  farmhouses,  and  noble  herds  of  cattle,  of  the  best 
breeds,  horses,  mules,  and  the  Southdown  sheep,  were  to  be  seen 
upon  the  hills,  and  the  whole  presented  a  picture  of  abundance 
that  was  rare  and  gratifying. 

One  of  the  boys  brought  in  an  unexploded  shell  picked  up  in 
the  vicinity  of  our  camp;  an  unreliable  messenger  failing  to  de 
liver  according  to  contract  when  sent  upon  its  murderous  errand 
eight  months  before. 

Just  after  our  arrival  two  peddlers,  or  sutlers,  commenced 
visiting  us,  and,  in  the  absence  of  competition,  charged  exorbi 
tant  prices  for  their  wares.  One  of  the  specialties  offered  for 
sale  under  the  name  of  cider, — a  solution  manufactured  to  order, 
at  short  notice,  from  vinegar,  molasses  and  water,  although  a 
most  miserable,  unsatisfactory  beverage, —  was  in  great  demand. 
By  ignoring  the  sense  of  taste,  and  drawing  largely  upon  the 
imagination,  a  small  measure  of  satisfaction  was  discernible  in 
the  vacant  eye  and  sickly  smile  of  those  able  to  conquer  a  rebel 
lious  stomach  while  pouring  into  it  this  vinegrous  wish-wash. 

One  day  seeing  a  larger  number  than  usual  around  one  of  these 
teams,  the  writer  joined  the  crowd,  found  the  owner  busy  selling 
oranges  at  ten  cents  apiece  and  his  so-called  cider  at  ten  cents 
a  glass.  And  while  he,  the  owner,  delivered  from  the  front  of 
the  wagon,  the  soldiers  unbeknown  to  him  had  tapped  a  barrel 
in  the  rear  and  were  doing  a  brisk  business  filling  canteens.  The 
owner  soon  discovered  this  new  method  of  supplying  the  Army 
of  the  Cumberland  and  loudly  remonstrated  against  this  free 
distribution  of  his  assets,  emphasizing  his  remark  by  a  vigorous 
application  of  his  horsewhip,  whereupon  his  wagon  was  at  once 
upset  and  his  groceries  confiscated. 

Knowing  the  other  peddler  was  in  camp  with  a  wagon  load  of 
gingerbread — the  price  of  which  was  twenty-five  cents  for  three 
pieces,  each  about  the  size  of  a  large  cracker— and  realizing  that 
the  boys  had  united  for  lower  rates,  the  writer  moved  over  to 
wards  his  place  of  business  in  time  to  see  his  bread  cart  in  vio 
lent  convulsions,  from  the  effects  of  which  the  contents  of  said 
cart  were  thrown  in  all  directions,  and  disappeared  as  if  by 
magic.  The  cart  recovering  from  this  attack  of  the  shakes,  the 


LIEUT.  FRANCISCO  M.  BALLOU. 
;  JSfo 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  103 

driver  mounted  his  seat,  and,  with  an  angry  snort,  whipped  up 
and  drove  off. 

A  complaint  at  headquarters  elicited  no  sympathy;  but  an  as 
surance  that  fair  dealing  with  the  boys  would  be  appreciated  and 
respected,  brought  our  quondam  merchants  again  into  the  field, 
when  lower  rates  soon  brought  about  good  trade  and  mutual 
good  feeling. 

How  often  at  home,  wrhen  with  the  toil  and  care  incident  upon 
the  life  of  those  who  "earn  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of  the  brow," 
have  we,  as  Saturday  night  approached,  and  with  it  the  labors  of 
the  week  were  to  cease,  looked  forward  to  a  day  of  rest!  A 
thousand  miles  from  home,  the  plough  exchanged  for  the  sword, 
the  spade  for  the  rifle,  in  the  face  of  a  desperate  enemy,  this  rule 
had  no  application.  True  the  Sabbath  came  as  at  home,  but  un 
fortunately  was  "more  honored  in  the  breach  than  the  observ 
ance,'7  and  appeared  to  be  a  day  especially  appointed  by  our 
military  commanders  for  fighting  and  marching. 

The  writer  will  now  quote  concerning  the  Eleventh  Rhode  Is 
land,  who  preceded  us  to  the  front  in  '62,  and  the  conclusions 
arrived  at  by  the  comrades  after  a  few  weeks'  experience  in  the 
service. 

The  writer  regrets  that  he  is  unable  to  ascertain  to  whom  we 
are  indebted  for  this  paper  which  we  adopt  as  setting  forth  our 
own  conclusions,  namely:  . 

"We  had  learned  the  wholesome  lesson  that  the  individual  sol 
dier  moves  in  an  infinitesimally  small  orbit;  and  that  his  im 
portance  is  an  unappreciable  element  in  the  events  he  witnesses. 
At  home  he  had  relations  of  more  or  less  complexity  with  soci 
ety  and  the  State.  Here  he  was  cut  off  from  all  possibility  of 
exerting  large  influences,  and  stood  to  his  neighbor  in  no  deeper 
relation  than  that  of  file  leader.  To  cover  square  was  his  duty 
to  his  fellow  man.  The  raw  recruit  had  been  marched  into  a 
field  and  told  he  might  sleep  there  that  night.  He  had  found 
that  this  was  easy  to  do  and  that  it  did  not  give  him  an  asthma 
or  an  influenza.  This  increased  his  self  respect.  It  was  a 
manly,  soldierly  feat  to  scorn  a  roof,  and  sleep  under  the  stars 
and  the  falling  dews.  He  had  lain  in  the  dust  and  dirt,  and  had 
learned  that  it  is  not  so  really  bad  as  unbecoming.  The  recruit 
had  not  merely  entered  into  new  hardships,  he  had  gotten  rid  of 


104  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

innumerable  old  ones.  With  a  minimum  of  responsibility  to 
bear,  no  forethought  to  exercise,  no  need  to  use  his  accumulated 
knowledge,  he  gives  his  mental  faculties  a  genuine  vacation,  and 
exults  in  the  development  of  his  bodily  strength  and  endurance. 
As  the  cold  season  advanced,  shifts  by  which  comfort  is  secured, 
even  by  dwellers  in  tents,  in  a  country  abounding  in  rain  and 
mud,  .  .  . 

"The  neighboring  woods  yielded  the  material  for  stockading 
the  tents  and  for  building  huts,  which,  well  plastered  with  the 
adhesive  'sacred,'  were  proof  against  water,  air  and  light." 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  306,  Part  2.J 

HEADQUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OF  CENTRAL  KENTUCKY, 

LEXINGTON,  KY.,  May  1st,  1863. 

To   BRIG.-GEN.    STURGIS,    Commanding   Second    Division,   Ninth 
Army  Corps ,  Winchester,  Ky.  : 

GENERAL:  The  general  commanding  directs  that  you  concen 
trate  your  whole  division  at  a  point  on  the  Richmond  and  Crab 
Orchard  road  where  it  crosses  Paint  Lick. 

You  will  choose  the  route  by  which  the  Second  Brigade  will 
march  to  the  point  indicated. 

NICHOLAS  BOWEN, 
Assistant  Adjt.-Gefo.  and  Chief  of  Staff. 

We  received  marching  orders  Saturday,  May  2d,  and  were  to 
be  in  readiness  the  following  morning,  at  which  time  we  pulled 
into  line  regardless  of  the  storm  evidently  about  to  open  upon  us, 
and  at  eight  o'clock  were  on  our  way. 

It  commenced  raining  slightly  before  we  left  camp,  and,  after 
our  first  rest  outside  of  Richmond,  at  ten,  it  commenced  in  earn 
est.  We  hurried  on  and  at  one  P.  M.  encamped  at  Paint  Lick 
Creek,  having  marched  a  distance  of  thirteen  miles  in  four  hours. 
Part  of  the  time  while  on  this  march  the  rain  poured  in  torrents, 
and  we  reached  camp  thoroughly  soaked. 

CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  PROVIDENCE   EVENING  BULLETIN. 

May  26,  1863. 

...  It  was  called  Paint  Lick  from  the  fact  that  the  Indi 
ans  were  accustomed  to  paint  the  trees  that  border  the  little 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  105 

stream  which  separated  Madison  from  Garrard  counties,  for  the 
purpose  of  attracting  the  buffalo  and  deer  within  reach  of  their 
rifles. 

The  brigade  encamped  upon  the  high  banks  of  the  river. 

Soon  after  our  arrival  the  sun  came  out,  the  clouds  disap 
peared  and  we  had  a  pleasant  afternoon.  It  was  quite  warm. 
Our  clothing  dried  rapidly  as  we  leisurely  erected  our  tents, 
while  the  ground  assigned  on  the  side  of  a  hill,  with  steep  grade 
towards  the  west,  also  quickly  dried  off,  upon  which,  the  oppor 
tunity  to  roll  upon  the  grass  and  enjoy  the  flood  of  sunlight  now 
poured  upon  us  was  duly  appreciated. 

Our  camp  was  situated  on  the  highway  running  from  Rich 
mond  to  Lancaster,  and  was  about  midway  between  the  two 
places.  It  was  evident  our  stay  here  would  be  short,  as  the 
usual  care  in  laying  out  camp  was  not  observed ,  our  tents  being 
pitched  in  all  conceivable  ways.  Our  general  established  his 
quarters  some  twenty  rods  east  of  us,  close  alongside  a  small 
chapel  or  church.  This  edifice  had  been  recently  built,  was 
small,  and  very  much  resembled  a  modern  New  England  school- 
house. 

From  the  time  of  our  arrival  here,  commencing  the  next  day 
and  continuing  up  to  Saturday,  the  9th,  considerable  rain  fell; 
all  of  which  time  we  were  enveloped  in  clouds  and  fog.  But  re 
gardless  of  the  unpleasant  weather  prevailing,  our  general  and 
his  staff  were  honored  by  frequent  visits  from  the  fair  ones  of 
Richmond,  whose  acquaintance  they  formed  during  our  sojourn 
among  them.  They  came  in  groups  of  half  a  dozen  or  so.  The 
band  would  be  called  upon  to  entertain  the  fair  visitors,  who, 
with  our  officers,  upon  the  green  in  front  of  the  chapel,  would 
engage  in  the  mazy  dance  and  "trip  the  light,  fantastic  toe." 

OFFICIAL    RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Pages  339,  340,  Part  2. 

LEXINGTON,  May  18,  1863.    Time,  10.15. 
MAJOR-GEN.  BURNSIDE  : 

Following  just  received  from  Somerset: 

The  following  information  received  last  night  from  scouts  and 
others:  Morgan  and  Peg-ram  with  cavalry  force  5,000  to  6,000; 


106  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

(John  B.)  Palmer  infantry  force  2,500,  with  Buckner  also  com 
ing  from  East  Tennessee  to  join  in  invasion  of  Kentucky.  Rebels 
report  their  forces  at  16,000.  Our  scouts  say  not  more  than 
10,000,  and  they  say  they  are  coming  for  supplies  and  must  have 
them.  The  river  will  soon  be  fordable.  It  can  be  crossed  now 
at  points,  so  they  can  concentrate  at  some  place  and  cross  with 
out  much  trouble. 

I  will  increase  the  guard  and  watch  them  closely. 

(Signed,)      CARTER, 

to  O.  B.  WILLCOX, 

Brigadier-General. 


May  18,  1863. 
Replying  to  Gen.  Carter,  Somerset: 

There  is  a  division  of  our  troops  at  Lancaster  under  General 
Sturgis. 

In  case  of  emergency  this  division  can  advance  to  support  you. 

O.  B.  WILLCOX, 

Brigadier-  General. 

Sunday,  the  10th,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we  again 
received  orders  to  march.  At  eight,  the  brigade  was  moving  in 
the  direction  of  Lancaster,  encamping  early  in  the  afternoon 
upon  elevated  ground  within  one-half  mile  of  the  village, — a  sit 
uation  commanding  a  view  of  the  country  for  miles  around. 

CORRESPONDENCE  EVENING  BULLETIN. 

May  26,  1863. 

...  We  went  into  camp  upon  the  summit  of  a  hill,  to  the 
northeast  of  Lancaster,  in  a  fine  meadow  of  more  than  100  acres. 

The  farm  upon  which  we  are  encamped  is  the  property  of  a 
rebel  who  has  gone  South  to  join  his  friends,  taking  with  him  his 
personal  prope:ty.  .  .  .  The  mansion  house  upon  it  was 
burned  a  few  weeks  since.  ...  The  town  contains  two 
churches  and  about  800  inhabitants. 

On  the  afternoon  of  May  18th  each  member  of  the  regiment 
was  called  to  his  orderly  sergeant's  tent  and  presented  with  a 
pair  of  white  gloves,  witk  instructions  that  when  called  upon 


CAPT.  JAMES  II.  ALLEN. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  107 

for  dress  parade  to  equip  himself  with  these  gloves,  reported 
as  the  gift  of  H.  S.  Patterson,  our  sutler. 

Much  interest  was  manifested  about  this  time  as  to  when  our 
term  of  service  would  expire.  One  of  our  men  claiming  his  time 
as  up,  and  eager  to  find  out  when  the  regiment  would  start  for 
home,  took  it  upon  himself  to  sound  the  colonel,  and  thus  ad 
dressed  him : 

"Well,  colonel,  I  suppose  my  time  is  out?"  "Well,"  says  Col 
onel  Browne,  "what  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?  Are  you  go 
ing  home  now  or  are  you  going  to  wait  for  the  rest  of  the  boys?" 
The  fellow  saying  "I  think  I  will  go  home  with  the  rest  of  the 
boys,"  retired  somewhat  chop-fallen  and  reported  to  his  com 
rades,  who  had  followed  him  up  at  convenient  distance,  and  over 
heard  the  conversation,  that  he  found  the  old  colonel  in  one  of 
his  blanked  contrary  fits  and  could  get  nothing  out  of  him, — 
the  blanked  son  of  a  gun. 

May  20th,  at  dress  parade,  our  adjutant  read  to  us  the  fare 
well  address  of  General  Nagle,  who  had  resigned  his  command 
and  was  about  to  return  home.  He  was  suffering  from  affection 
of  the  heart  (so  it  was  said)  and  found  himself  unable  longer 
to  continue  in  the  field.  He  was  to  leave  us  the  21st,  and  ex 
tended  an  invitation  to  all  to  call  on  him. 

Precisely  at  sunset  the  brigade  band  commenced  playing  in 
front  of  his  quarters,  and  in  a  short  time  a  good  portion  of  the 
brigade  had  assembled  to  hear  the  parting  words  of  the  general. 
We  found  him  sitting  in  front  of  his  tent,  rising  occasionally  to 
salute  the  officers  as  they  came  in  groups  from  the  different  regi 
ments.  The  band  played  a  few  selections,  when  the  general,  ris 
ing,  addressed  the  officers,  and,  taking  each  by  the  hand,  bade 
them  adieu.  Turning  to  the  soldiers  he  made  a  short  speech, 
bidding  them  also  farewell,  and  invited  all  to  come  forward  who 
chose,  as  he  would  be  pleased  to  shake  hands  with  all;  upon 
which,  many  of  the  boys  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege.  The 
band  meanwhile  rendered  the  old-time  familiar  air :  "Home  Sweet 
Home,"  at  the  conclusion  of  which,  we  retired  to  our  quarters. 

Colonel  Griffin,  of  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire,  the  aforesaid 
hero  of  our  march  from  Lexington  to  Winchester,  succeeded 
General  Nagle  as  commander  of  our  brigade.  The  enemy  whom 
this  brigade  were  endeavoring  to  look  after  were  now  consoli- 


108 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


dating  on  the  Cumberland  River, — occupying  the  south  bank,  and 
were  closely  watched  by  our  forces.  Some  few  days  before  they 
had  contrived  to  throw  a  detachment  across.  This  brought  on 
an  engagement  in  which  they  were  repulsed  and  driven  back. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Pages  362,  363,  Part  2.] 

LEXINGTON,  May  25,  1863,  8.30  A.  M. 
GENERAL  BURN  SIDE  : 

The  following  just  received  from  Somerset : 

I  have  just  been  advised  that  the  rebels  crossed  the  river  at  the 
mouth  of  Fishing  Creek  this  morning  and  are  now  engaging  the 
guards  of  the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry  who  are  stationed  there. 
Have  sent  re-enforcements.  Will  keep  you  informed  as  soon  as 
I  can  obtain  particulars.  I  have  fears  for  the  safety  of  the  river 
guards  below  that  point. 

(Signed,)      GEN.  CARTER, 

to  O.  B.  WILLCOX, 

Brig. -Gen. 


To  MAJ.-GEN.  BURN  SIDE  : 

The  following  from  Somerset: 

Your  dispatch  with  General  Burnside's  received.  Have  just 
heard  from  Colonel  Kautz  at  mouth  of  Fishing  Creek.  The  en 
emy  were  driven  across  the  river  by  a  company  of  the  Forty-fifth 
Ohio,  Captain  Scott,  who  captured  a  captain,  lieutenant,  and 
sergeant.  Colonel  Kautz  was  moving  towards  Mill  Springs. 
Unless  rebels  have  crossed  below  Mill  Springs,  there  is  no  consid 
erable  force  this  side  of  the  river.  I  have  scouts  towards  James 
town  and  seventeen  miles  up  the  Cumberland.  I  have  no  idea 
of  falling  back. 

GEN.  CARTER, 

to  O.  B.  WILLCOX, 

Brig. -Gen. 

We  were  under  marching  orders  at  the  time,  and  were  held  in 
readiness  to  move  at  once;  but  it  was  not  found  necessary  to 
call  on  us. 

May  22d,  however,  at  nine  P.  MV  we  received  orders,  and,  at 
seven  the  next  morning,  the  First  Brigade  was  on  the  march, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  109 

followed  closely  by  the  Second.  Taking  the  Somerset  road  we 
were  soon  established  in  all  the  privileges  and  comforts  of  a 
march  on  a  hot  day  along  a  very  dry  and  dusty  thoroughfare. 
At  eleven,  we  halted  for  dinner,  having  inarched  nine  miles. 
Again  underway,  after  a  rest  until  2.30  p.  M.,  at  four  we  en 
camped  near  Crab  Orchard,  twelve  miles  from  our  late  camp 
near  Lancaster. 

Upon  our  marching  from  Lancaster,  one  of  our  comrades, 
whom  we  supposed,  from  his  intercourse  with  our  officers,  might 
know  our  destination,  took  it  upon  himself  to  inform  us  that  we 
were  to  march  but  three  or  four  miles,  and  were  to  encamp  in  an 
oak  grove.  The  spot  had  been  selected  by  our  general,— a  most 
beautiful  situation,  abounding  in  excellent  springs  of  water,  and 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  a  river;  an  admirable  place  for  bath 
ing. 

It  was  a  very  warm  day  and  the  highway  was  dry  and  dusty, 
making  our  march  unusually  severe;  and,  instead  of  the  oak 
grove,  but  four  miles  distant,  with  all  its  beautiful  surroundings, 
we  made  a  march  of  twelve  miles,  as  hereinbefore  stated,  and 
found  ourselves  at  last  located  in  a  thicket  of  briers,  one  and 
one-half  miles  north  of  the  village  of  Crab  Orchard,— a  spot  de 
void  of  everything  green,  if  we  except  blackberry  bushes  and  pen 
nyroyal,  and  abounding  in  all  manner  of  creeping  things. 

The  evening  of  the  25th  information  having  been  received  that 
the  enemy  were  in  the  neighborhood  and  might  make  a  raid  in 
our  direction,  we  were  ordered  to  be  on  the  alert.  Company  I 
was  detailed  for  extra  picket  duty  and  all  precaution  taken 
against  attack. 

At  six  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  the  26th,  our  regiment  moved 
forward  one-half  mile  beyond  the  village  to  the  support  of  the 
Second  New  York  battery,  which  had  taken  position  the  night 
before  in  a  field  commanding  the  Mount  Vernon  and  Somerset 
roads  which  form  a  junction  at  this  place.  Here  we  again  en 
camped. 

June  1st  we  received  orders  to  put  ourselves  in  light  marching 
condition,  and  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  to  move  at  short  no 
tice.  Accordingly,  all  boxes  and  barrels  available  were  put  to 
use,  and  overcoats  and  all  other  superfluous  luggage  was  packed 
and  sent  to  the  rear. 


110  HISTORY    OP   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Many  of  the  boys  (the  expiration  of  whose  term  of  service  was 
near  at  hand)  were  hoping  to  escape  the  dangers  of  another  en 
gagement,  but  events  now  transpiring  indicated  that  an  oppor 
tunity  to  resist  the  advance  of  the  enemy  would  soon  materialize. 

At  dress  parade,  June  3d,  our  colonel  addressed  the  regiment, 
informing  them  that  in  all  probability  they  would  soon  have  a 
chance  to  meet  the  enemy  on  a  fair  field.  He  hoped  to  have  the 
privilege  of  leading  them  again,  and  had  no  doubt  they  would  ac 
quit  themselves  with  credit  and  return  home  an  honor  to  the 
state  they  represented. 

In  a  short  speech  of  ten  minutes,  or  thereabouts,  we  were  all 
impressed  with  the  certainty  of  a  conflict  near  at  hand. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  384,  Part  2.] 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON,,  June  3,  1863,  11  A.  M. 
MAJOR-GEN.  BURNSIDE,  Lexington,  Ky.: 

You  will  immediately  dispatch  8,000  men  to  General  Grant  at 
Vicksburg.  Should  it  be  found  that  General  Grant  will  not  re 
quire  them,  they  will  be  stopped  on  the  way  or  returned  to  you 
as  early  as  possible. 

Concentrate  your  remaining  forces  as  much  as  you  can.  I 
think  there  is  no  fear  of  an  advance  upon  Kentucky  at  present. 

H.  W.  HALLECK, 

General-in-Chief. 

June  4th,  early  in  the  evening,  we  received  orders  to  be  in 
readiness  the  following  morning  at  4.30;  each  man  to  be  pro 
vided  with  sixty  rounds  of  ammunition  and  eight  days'  ration*. 
At  five  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  regiment  was  in  line,  and, 
in  fifteen  minutes,  was  passing  through  the  village  of  Crab  Or 
chard,  taking  the  Lancaster  road,  accompanied  by  the  rest  of  the 
brigade. 

At  ten  A.  M.,  when  within  one  mile  of  Lancaster,  we  turned 
aside  and  halted.  Here  it  became  generally  known  that  we  were 
to  march  to  Nicholasville  in  hot  haste,  there  to  find  transporta 
tion  to  some  point  as  yet  unknown  to  us. 

Various  were  the  surmises  as  to  where  we  were  to  go.  We 
soon  became  convinced  that  the  First  Brigade  was  to  report  at 


LIEUT.  GEORGE  BUCKLIN. 

iri  Y. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  111 

Vicksburg.  Then  the  question  arose, — would  the  Twelfth  con 
tinue  with  them  ?  At  2.30  p.  M.  we  were  ordered  into  line  again ; 
passed  through  Lancaster,  and,  at  seven,  arrived  at  Camp  Dick 
Robinson,  having  marched  twenty-one  miles.  Here  we  encamped 
for  the  night.  The  appearance  of  the  sky  betokening  rain,  many 
of  us  took  pains  to  pitch  our  tents.  This,  together  with  making 
coffee  and  taking  a  soldier's  lunch,  occupied  our  time  until  ten 
o'clock.  About  this  time  we  turned  in  to  gain  what  little  rest 
we  could  before  reveille,  which  was  ordered  at  four  in  the  morn 
ing. 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  roll  of  drums  announced  our  sleep 
ing  hours  as  over.  Turning  out  in  haste,  we  had  hardly  time  to 
dispatch  our  rations  and  pack  up  before  we  were  called  into  line. 
At  half  past  four  we  were  on  our  way  again,  and,  at  seven,  ap 
proaching  the  Kentucky  River,  we  entered  Pleasant  Valley. 
Here  the  scenery  became  most  wild  and  picturesque,  and,  as  we 
crossed  the  river  at  Hickman's  Bridge,  the  grandeur  of  the  scen 
ery  impressed  us  beyond  any  we  had  ever  witnessed.  Mountains 
towered  above  us  in  all  directions.  The  bridge,  a  fine  structure, 
built  in  1836,  was  perhaps  two  hundred  feet  in  length,  and 
spanned  the  Kentucky  some  sixty  feet  above  its  waters. 

After  emerging  from  this  defile,  and  when  within  one  mile  of 
Nicholasville,  Colonel  Griffin  received  a  dispatch  detaching  us 
from  the  brigade,  with  orders  for  Colonel  Browne  to  report  in 
another  direction. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Pages  400,  401,  Part  2.] 

MUNFORDVILLE,  June  8,  1863,  10  p.  M. 

MAJOR-GEN.  BURNSIDE  : 

Have  just  received  a  dispatch  from  Sturgis,  transmitting 
cipher  dispatch  to  him  from  Carter,  which  he  could  not  translate. 
The  following  to  him  and  reply,  will  explain  itself : 

Have  just  heard  that  Morgan  crossed  the  river  at  Burksville 
on  Saturday,  with  from  nine  to  thirteen  regiments.  Do  not  know 
the  direction  he  took  after  leaving  Jamestown.  He  may  move 
in  the  direction  of  Somerset  as  rebel  prisoners  have  stated  such 
was  the  intention.  The  First  Tennessee  will  be  directed  to  look 
out  for  our  trains.  The  infantry  regiments  left  Stanford  this 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

morning  with  batteries.     Will  it  not  be  better  to  hold  the  whole 
force  for  a  day  or  two  before  sending  to  Mount  Vernon?     If 
necessary,  will  send  them  to-morrow  or  whenever  you  may  direct. 
Report  says  that  two  regiments  are  left  at  Monticello. 
Please  answer.  , 

S.  P.  CARTER, 

Brig.-Gen. 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  440,  Part  2.] 

MURFREESBOROUGH,  June  20,  1863. 
GENERAL  HARTSUFF: 

Morgan  is  reported  nine  miles  from  Lebanon  (Tennessee), 
probably  on  his  way  into  Kentucky,  His  forces  reported  4.000 
and  one  battery. 

W.  S.  ROSENCRANS, 
Major-General. 

At  this  time  we  were  the  advance  regiment.  We  immediately 
came  to  a  halt,  and,  as  the  brigade  passed  by,  gave  each  regiment 
three  parting  cheers,  and  commenced  retracing  our  steps.  After 
marching  one-half  mile  or  so,  we  turned  aside  to  a  grove  or  park 
alongside  the  thoroughfare  where  we  passed  the  night.  At  five 
the  next  morning  wTe  were  ordered  into  line,  and,  on  the  tenth 
day  of  June  encamped  in  Somerset,  having  marched  in  six  con 
secutive  days  over  one  hundred  miles,  under  a  broiling  sun,  heav 
ily  laden  with  rations  and  ammunition  beyond  the  regular  equip 
ment  of  the  soldier;  finding  ourselves  at  last  twenty-eight  miles 
from  Crab  Orchard,  the  place  from  whence  we  started  June  4th. 

Our  encampment  was  located  in  a  grove  one-quarter  of  a  mile 
west  of  the  village,  on  ground  occupied  by  Zollicoffer  in  1861. 
Here  he  prepared  to  make  a  stand  against  the  forces  sent  to  repel 
him.  Trenches  were  in  evidence,  and  large,  noble  trees  (felled 
at  the  time)  lay  scattered  about  the  grounds.  His  fate  was  de 
cided  at  Mill  Springs  Jan.  20,  1862.  Boone  reports,  concerning 
this  section  of  the  country  between  the  Cumberland  and  Green 
Rivers,  while  on  an  exploring  expedition  with  his  brother  in  1770 
and  1771,  of  observing  numerous  "sink  holes"  or  depressions, 
a  feature  peculiar  to  a  cavernous,  limestone  country,  produced 


CAI>T.  JOHN  P.  ABBOTT. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  113 

by  the  action  of  the  waters,  causing  the  earth  to  sink  after  heavy 
rains. 

Here  at  Somerset,  we  bad  a  notable  illustration  of  this  phe 
nomenon,  the  significance  of  which  furnished  food  for  reflection 
while  contributing  largely  to  our  comfort  and  cleanliness.  Di 
rectly  below  our  camp,  some  three  hundred  yards  distant,  a  stroll 
over  the  green,  grassy  slope,  at  easy  grade,  brought  us  to  the 
bottom  of  one  of  these  depressions, — a  fertile,  grassy  level  area 
of  some  two  or  three  acres.  This  basin,  or  depression,  was  some 
what  oval  in  shape,  while  a  stream  of  water,  with  banks  well  de 
fined,  zigzagged  its  way  along  its  centre.  This,  a  stream  of  con 
siderable  volume,  issued  from  an  opening,  or  well-defined  arch 
way,  at  the  foot  of  a  precipitous,  rocky  bluff  at  the  head  of  this 
basin,  and,  after  coursing  its  way  along  the  length  of  this  level, 
fertile  bottom,  entered  another  opening  at  the  foot  of  another 
rocky  bluff  or  precipice, — a  duplicate  of  the  one  from  which  it 
issued,  and  disappeared  from  view. 

This  "rock-ribbed"  subterranean  stream  leaving  for  a  few  brief 
moments  its  imprisoned  walls  ministered  to  the  wants  of  man 
and  beast  in  no  small  measure.  Nowhere  could  purer,  finer 
water  be  found  than  that  which  tumbles,  cold  and  clear,  over  the 
rock  and  broken  rolling  stone  from  out  this  "rock-ribbed,"  black- 
mouthed  cavern  at  Somerset.  Imagination  calls  to  mind  the 
rock  which  Moses  smote. 

Retrospection  also  brings  to  view  again  the  buffalo,  the  deer, 
and  all  the  varied  hosts  of  animal  life  abounding  in  this  most 
favored  country,  present  here,  around  this  fount  of  waters,  hold 
ing  their  supremacy  against  the  wily  savage,  but  yielding  in  turn 
before  the  advance  of  civilization. 

The  timid  deer  now  seldom  seen,  abounded  here, 

Where  thousands  roamed,  unscared. 

No  more  the  hills  resound  with  beating  hoof , 

The  bisons'  heavy  charge. 

Alas,  not  one  is  left!    All,  all  are  gone 

Before  the  onward  march  and  greed  of  man. 

Here  at  Somerset  much  of  our  time  was  taken  up  trying  to 
keep  clear  of  the  flies,  which  swarmed  about  our  camp.  It  was 
extremely  warm  during  our  stay,  and  the  great  swarms  disport- 

8 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ing  themselves  while  disputing  possession  with  us  over  our  camp 
ing  ground  clearly  indicated  (with  all  due  respect  to  the  trim 
little  village  of  Somerset)  this  place  as  headquarters  for  flies. 

Doubtless  the  opportunities  afforded  here,  at  Somerset,  to 
feed  on  the  debris  and  choice  bits  contributed  by  the  Union  and 
rebel  soldiers  frequently  encamped  in  turn  here,  was  duly  noticed 
and  appreciated,  resulting  in  the  development  of  enormous 
swarms  of  the  largest,  fiercest  and  most  vigorous  flies  that  could 
be  found  anywhere  on  the  American  continent. 

June  20th,  at  noon,  we  received  marching  orders  again,  and, 
at  four  p.  M.,  encamped  on  the  heights  which  form  the  banks  of 
the  Cumberland  River,  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Stigall's 
Ferry,  seven  miles  from  Somerset. 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  440,  Part  2.] 

SOMERSET,  KY.,  June  20,  1863,  2.05  A.  M. 
GEN.  HARTSUFF  : 

Dispatch  received.  Will  start  1,000  mounted  men  under  Col 
onel  Kautz  by  six  A.  M.  towards  Jamestown,  supported  by  regi 
ment  of  infantry  and  a  battery. 

CARTER. 


SOMERSET,  June  20,  1863. 
GEN.  STURGIS: 

The  news  I  receive  through  scouts  from  East  Tennessee  are  so 
conflicting  that  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  what  the  rebel  force  is. 
One  puts  it  down  as  7,000  to  8,000,  another  puts  the  maximum 
estimate  at  20,000. 

General  Buckner  passed  up  towards  Big  Creek  Gap  last  Fri 
day.  He  stated  at  a  house  on  the  way  that  he  was  coming  into 
Kentucky.  On  Wednesday  the  force  of  Pegram  was  at  and  in 
vicinity  of  Travisville. 

A  force  under  Colonel  Kautz  left  for  that  place  at  six  this 
morning. 

CARTER, 

Brig. -General. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  115 

Ordered  into  line  again  the  following  morning,  we  commenced 
our  return  march  to  Somerset,  arriving  there  at  one  p.  M.  Halt 
ing  until  three,  we  then  took  up  our  line  of  march  for  James 
town,  whither  we  had  been  ordered. 

We  encamped  for  the  night  on  Logan's  Old  Fields,  where  the 
battle  of  Mill  Springs  was  fought  Jan.  20,  1862.  This  place  is 
distant  from  Somerset  nine  miles,  which  made  our  day's  march 
sixteen  miles.  Here  we  found  the  Thirty-second  Kentucky 
(Lieutenant-Colonel  Morrow),  who  had  started  from  Somerset 
in  advance  of  us,  and  who  were  to  be  our  companions  at  James 
town, — the  two  regiments  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Browne,  of  our  regiment,  the  senior  officer. 

At  five,  the  following  morning,  the  Thirty-second  took  the  lead, 
followed  immediately  by  the  Twelfth.  We  reached  Shady  Creek 
at  eight  P.  MV  where  we  encamped,  having  made  a  march  of  six 
teen  miles  over  the  roughest  road  conceivable.  At  twelve  M.,  the 
next  day,  we  passed  through  Jamestown  and  encamped  in  the 
immediate  vicinity,  having  marched  ten  miles. 

OFFICIAL   EECOEDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  468,  Part  2.] 

June  20,  1863. 
GEN.  HARTSUFF,  Lexington,  Ky. 

The  following  has  just  been  received  from  Louisville: 

LOUISVILLE,  June  26,  1863. 
GENERAL  BURNSIDE  : 

J.  T.  Bramlette  telegraphs  from  Columbia  that  Morgan's 
whole  force  is  at  Burkesville  but  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

Grigsby's  regiment  is  certainly  there.  Twenty  of  them  were 
in  Burkesville  yesterday.  Pegram's  men  are  dismounted.  The 
river  is  fordable.  Bramlette  regards  this  as  perfectly  reliable, 
having  obtained  his  information  from  a  gentleman  who  was  at 
Burkesville  yesterday  and  saw  the  rebels  there. 

Number  of  the  enemy  not  ascertained. 

Very  respectfully, 

A.  C.  SEMPLE, 

Assistant  Adjt.-Gen. 
A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Ma  j.  -Gen. 


116  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL    RECORDS. 

Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  679,  Part  1.] 

LEXINGTON,,  July  1,  1863,  6.55  p.  M. 

(Received  7.30  p.  M.) 
GEN.  BURNSIDE: 

Just  received  dispatch  from  Judah,  who  is  at  Tompkinsville. 
The  enemy  is  nearly  opposite  Burkesville,  from  5,000  to  7,000. 
They  probably  intend  advancing  by  two  routes.  The  present 
disposition  of  his  (Judah's)  force  is  better  than  at  Burkesville, 
which,  if  occupied,  must  be  with  his  entire  division,  leaving  en 
emy  free  to  cross  anywhere  after  river  falls. 

From  GEO.  L.  HARTSUFF, 

Major-General. 

June  24th  our  teams  started  for  Lebanon,  sixty  miles  distant, 
to  prqcure  supplies,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  we  were  not 
to  remain  idle  here.  Our  scouts  reported  the  enemy  massing  in 
force  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  Cumberland;  clearly  indicat 
ing  their  purpose  to  cross  the  river  at  some  point  apparently, 
as  yet,  not  determined  on;  possibly  in  our  immediate  neighbor 
hood. 

A  large  force  was  sent  out  three  miles  on  the  road  towards 
Columbia,  where  a  rude  fort  was  constructed  and  garrisoned 
under  the  supervision  of  our  colonel.  Detachments  were  sent 
also  in  other  directions  to  fell  trees  and  otherwise  obstruct  the 
roads,  and  all  things  were  made  ready  to  give  the  enemy  a  warm 
reception. 

In  the  meantime,  it  becoming  known  that  our  assailants  were 
composed  largely,  or  wholly,  of  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry, 
indicated  that  which  was  very  soon  made  manifest,  namely,  that 
John  H.  Morgan  was  again  at  the  head  of  affairs  in  our  imme 
diate  front,  and  resolved,  apparently  with  largely  augmented 
numbers,  to  eclipse  his  former  record  of  1862.  Later  on  we 
learned  that  arrangements  had  been  made  for  General  Buckner 
to  co-operate  by  a  rapid  movement  of  his  command  from  East 
Tennessee  across  the  Kentucky  line,  joining  forces  with  Morgan., 
Louisville  being  the  objective  point. 

It  was  our  good  fortune  not  to  be  brought  between  "the  upper 
and  nether  millstone,"  as  this  arrangement  most  certainly  im- 


LIEUT.   GEORGE  F.  BICKNBLL. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  117 

plied,  if .  Rosencrans,  by  engaging  Buckner's  attention,  had  not 
prevented  him  from  carrying  out  his  part  of  the  programme. 

June  28th  Colonel  Wolford's  famous  cavalry  regiment,  jsix 
hundred  strong,  with  the  Second  and  Seventh  Ohio  regiments, 
mounted  infantry  under  Colonel  Kautz,  having  been  pushed  for 
ward  rapidly  to  our  support,  arrived,  after  which  there  was  con 
stant  reconnoisance  and  occasional  skirmishing  with  Morgan's 
advance.  Heavy  pickets  were  kept  out  constantly,  and  with 
much  anxiety  we  awaited  the  arrival  of  our  supply  team^,  now 
overdue.  Our  rations  were  giving  out,  and,  adding  to  our  dis 
comfort,  it  rained  constantly  every  day,  occasionally  pouring  in 
torrents. 

Owing  to  the  heavy,  continuous  rainfall,  the  Cumberland  River 
was  extremely  high  and  unfordable,  while  bridges  spanning  the 
tributary  rivers  were  carried  away,  accounting,  in  a  measure, 
for  the  non-arrival  of  our  supplies,  as  we  learned  later.  The 
inconvenience  arising  from  short  rations  and  heavy  weather,  we 
must  consider  as  small  items  compared  with  what  might  have 
been  the  result  involving  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Rhode  Island 
Volunteers,  if  pleasant  days  and  a  fordable  river  had  made  it 
possible  for  the  enemy  to  have  effected  a  crossing  at  an  earlier 
date. 

The  heavy  rainfall  delayed  the  advance  of  Morgan,  who,  hav 
ing  finally  succeeded  in  securing  transportation  by  means  of  flat 
and  ferry  boats,  on  the  2d  of  July  pushed  his  entire  force  across 
the  river  at  and  near  Burkesville,  some  fifteen  or  twenty  miles 
distant  from  Jamestown,  and,  after  an  engagement  with  Hobson 
at  Marrowbone,  quickly  took  direction  for  Columbia,  which  place 
he  occupied  July  3d. 

OFFICIAL   EECORD8. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  679,  Part  1.] 

MARROWBONE,  July  3,  1803,  12.30  p.  M., 

Via  GLASGOW,  July  4,  1.45,  p.  M. 

GEN.  HARTSUFF,  Lexington,  Ky.: 

An  attempt  to  force  General  Hobson's  position  was  made  yes 
terday  by  two  commands  of  cavalry;  one  consisting  of  four  regi 
ments,  about  1,500  to  1,800  in  the  aggregate,  on  the  two  flanks, 


118  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

the  other  counted  970  strong,  following  up  the  Ninth  Kentucky 
Cavalry  on  the  direct  road  from  Burkes  ville,  and  charging  it  up 
to  the  main  camp.  Our  loss,  20  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
From  evidence  consisting  of  empty  saddles,  his  loss  was  greater 
than  our  own.  It  is  certain  that  the  enemy  on  this  side  of  the 
river  is  3,000  strong.  It  is  probable  that  he  is  more  than  4,000 
strong  from  other  evidences  deemed  reliable,  but  not  positive. 
The  enemy  crossed  on  flat  and  ferry  boats. 

H.  M.  JUDAH. 

(Commanding  Third  Division,  Twenty-third  Army  Corps.} 
[Forwarded   to  Burnside.] 

Owing  to  the  bad  condition  of  the  telegraph  line  a  message 
which  should  have  reached  Colonel  Wolford  the  evening  of  July 
2d  ordering  him  to  reach  Columbia  in  advance  of  Morgan  did 
not  arrive  until  the  afternoon  of  July  3d,  thus  enabling  Morgan 
to  occupy  Columbia  with  very  little  opposition,  and,  being 
thoroughly  equipped  for  continued  rapid  movement,  after  an  en 
gagement  at  Green  River  bridge,  or  Tebbs  Bend,  July  4th,  we 
find  him,  July  5th,  at  Lebanon. 

OFFICIAL  RECOEDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  683,  Part  1.] 

MARROWBONE,  July  3,  1863,  2.45  P.  M. 

To  GEN.  HARTSUFF: 

Evidence  within  the  hour  is  positive  that  the  rebel  mounted 
force  of  from  1,500  or  2,000  have  gone  towards  Columbia.  Not 
knowing  what  disposition  of  Carter's  forces,  if  any,  have  been 
made  in  that  direction,  I  have  ordered  Shackelford  immediately, 
by  a  shorter  route  than  that  upon  the  map,  to  proceed  to  Col 
umbia.  I  have  added  the  Twelfth  Kentucky  Cavalry  to  his  com 
mand. 

Shackelford  will  have  a  force  of  1,800  men. 

H.  M.  JUDAH. 


July  3,  8  P.  M. 

The  development  of  the  past  two  hours  verifies  my  conjecture 
and  justifies  the  movements. 

The  Eighth  Kentucky  Cavalry  has  been  in  Burkesville.     No 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  119 

enemy  in  front.     Hobson's  brigade  I  have  ordered  to  follow  up 
Shackelford. 

Morgan's  whole  force,  from  4,000  to  5,000,  has  advanced  to 
wards  Columbia. 

JUDAH. 

From  this  place  our  supply  teams,  having  left  a  few  days 
before  en  route  for  Jamestown  by  way  of  Columbia,  laden  with 
the  much  needed  supplies  for  our  regiment,  came  somewhat  near 
discharging  their  freight  at  Columbia  directly  into  the  hands  of 
Morgan's  cavalry.  They  had  passed  Green  River  bridge  and 
were  hurrying  along  and  had  nearly  reached  Columbia  before 
they  were  aware  of  the  impending  danger,  being  apprised  of 
which,  they  rapidly  turned  about,  recrossed  Green  River,  where, 
meeting  a  force  of  thirty  men  from  the  Seventh  Ohio  Cavalry, 
Captain  J.  P.  Higley  commanding,  sent  from  Lebanon  to  protect 
them,  they  concluded  to  make  a  stand  until  morning.  In  the 
course  of  the  night  the  bridge  was  carried  away  by  high  water, 
caused  by  the  heavy  rain,  obliging  them  to  reach  Jamestown  by  a 
circuitous  route,  crossing  the  river  at  a  ford  some  twenty  miles 
to  the  north.  At  a  place  near  Newsville,  July  3d,  when  within 
ten  miles  of  our  camp  at  Jamestown,  they  were  attacked  by  a. 
detachment  of  Morgan's  cavalry.  The  guard,  equal  to  the  emerg 
ency,  dashed  among  them  with  great  fury,  repulsing  them,  kill 
ing  two,  wounding  two,  and  capturing  three,  without  any  loss 
on  our  part. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  684,  Part  1.] 

LEXINGTON,  July  4,  1863,  11  A.  M. 
GEN.  BURNSIDE  : 

Morgan  is  reported  in  Columbia  with  two  brigades  and  six 
pieces  of  artillery.  .  .  .  News  of  Morgan  being  in  Columbia 
comes  from  Lieut.-Col.  Adams  through  Carter  and  is  undoubt 
edly  correct.  He  must  have  got  ahead  of  Shackelford.  .  .  . 
Have  not  heard  from  Judah  since  yesterday.  His  dispositions 
then  were  as  follows: 

Shackelford  with  1,800  cavalry  on  his  way  to  Columbia  by  a 
shorter  road  than  Morgan;  800  cavalry  on  the  way  to  Greens- 
burg;  portions  of  Hobson's  infantry  on  direct  road  from  Mar- 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

rowbone  to  Columbia;  .  .  .  1,400  cavalry  from  Jamestown 
would  have  been  ahead  of  Morgan  but  telegraph  line  worked 
badly  so  that  dispatches  sent  to  Carter  yesterday,  only  reached 
him  this  morning.  ...  If  the  enemy  leave  before  we  arrive 
it  will  be  a  stern  chase  after  him. 

GEO.  L.  HARTSUFF, 

.  -General. 


The  same  day,  shortly  thereafter,  our  supply  teams  arrived 
in  Jamestown,  much  excited  over  their  encounter  with  the  en 
emy  ;  all  unanimous  in  bestowing  great  praise  on  Captain  Higley 
and  his  men,  through  whose  efforts  they  were  enabled  to  finally 
land  in  camp  at  Jamestown,  present  the  welcome  rations  to  anx 
ious,  hungry  comrades,  and  relate  to  eager  listeners  the  hair- 
raising  experience  encountered  by  flood  and  field,  along  the  high 
ways  and  byways  of  Kentucky. 

Meanwhile  we  were  expecting  to  be  attacked  and  were  twice 
called  into  line. 

July  4th  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  an  artillery  salute 
from  the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry  in  commemoration  of  "the  day 
we  celebrate,"  caused  quite  a  commotion  throughout  our  camp. 

The  roar  of  artillery  close  at  hand  followed  by  the  beating  of 
the  "long  roll"  from  our  drummers,  resulting  from  our  failure  to 
interpret  aright  the  cause  of  this  uproar,  brought  the  regiment 
into  line,  and  to  an  immediate  assignment  of  position  to  resist 
attack. 

Our  situation  here  at  "Jimtown"  would  seem  to  debar  us  from 
an  observance  of  the  4th  of  July  in  a  manner  necessitating  a 
waste  of  ammunition,  but  Colonel  Wolford's  famous  regiment  of 
Kentuckians  could  not  forego  the  opportunity  to  emphasize  their 
loyalty  and  hurl  defiance  at  Morgan's  approaching  columns. 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  685,  Parti.] 

SOMERSET,  July  4,  1863. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  HARTSUFF  : 

Dispatches  from  Colonel  Wolford  are  this  morning  received. 
One  hundred  of  his  force  sent  to  Columbia  under  Capt.  Carter, 
First  Kentucky  Cavalry,  met  near  that  place  what  they  supposed 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  121 

to  be  a  regiment  of  rebels,  and  were  repulsed  and  driven  back  to 
Columbia.  Our  men  had  occupied  the  Court  House,  and,  at  last 
accounts,  were  engaged  with  the  enemy.  Re-enforcenients  from 
Colonel  Wolford  were  close  at  hand.  Captain  Carter  was  se 
verely  wounded,  and  several  men  lost.  The  train  on  its  way 
from  Lebanon  was  attacked  near  Newsville.  Captain  J.  P.  Hig- 
ley  of  Seventh  Ohio  Cavalry,  commanded  the  escort  of  thirty 
men.  He  repulsed  the  rebels,  killed  2,  wounded  2  and  captured 
3  without  any  loss  on  our  part.  Rebel  prisoners  state  that  Mor 
gan's  whole  force,  amounting  to  10  regiments,  crossed  at  Burkes- 
ville. 

CARTER, 

Brig.-Gen.  Commanding  1st  Brig.,  1st  Div.,  23d  Army  Corps. 


OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  686,  Part  1.] 

SOMERSET,  July  4,  1863. 
MAJ.-GBN.  HARTSUFF: 

Have  just  heard  from  Colonel  Wolford  at  Jamestown.  He  re 
ports  his  force  had  returned  from  Columbia  with  loss  of  2  killed 
and  6  slightly  wounded.  Captain  Carter's  wound  mortal ;  6  reb 
els  were  killed  and  some  15  wounded.  Morgan  with  3,000  to 
4,000  men  and  six  pieces  passed  through  Columbia  last  night 
going  in  direction  of  Lebanon. 

Colonel  Wolford  will  pursue  to-night. 

I  have  no  news  from  Lexington  since  8.30  A.  M.,  and  nothing 
north  of  Columbia  in  regard  to  rebel  movements. 

S.  P.  CARTER, 

Brigadier-General. 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 

[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  692  Part  l.J 

CINCINNATI,  July  5,  1863. 
GENERAL  HARTSUFF  : 

Following  just  received : 

LEBANON,  9  p.  M. 

Rebels  attacked  this  post  about  seven  A.  M.,  Colonel  Hanson, 
commanding  post,  fought  them  six  hours.  Most  of  his  command 
taken  prisoners,  5  killed  on  our  side.  Re-enforcements  arrived 
about  two  o'clock,  and  rebels  left  as  soon  as  they  arrived,  taking 


122  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

road  to  Springfield.  Colonel  Hanson  was  paroled.  Rebels  de 
stroyed  depot,  telegraph  office  and  about  ten  private  dwellings, 
robbed  stores  and  killed  one  woman;  Morgan's  command  con 
sisting  of  two  brigades  and  two  full  batteries. 

Operator. 
A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

Meantime  information  reached  Jamestown  that  Morgan  had 
avoided  us,  and,  with  his  whole  force,  estimated  at  four  or  five 
thousand  strong,  was  already  in  Columbia.  Nothing  now  re 
mained  for  troops  along  the  Cumberland  but  to  give  chase. 

The  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry  were  already  away  in  hot 
pursuit,  with  Morgan  a  day  in  advance  of  them,  while  we  were 
ordered  to  return  to  Somerset;  upon  which  the  stores  were  put 
aboard  the  teams,  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  at  nine  o'clock, 
we  took  up  our  line  of  march.  It  was  a  very  warm,  sultry  day, 
and  the  roads  were  in  bad  condition  owing  to  the  heavy  rains, 
making  our  march  extremely  difficult.  The  importance  of  mov 
ing  as  rapidly  as  possible  possessed  the  whole  regiment  while 
floundering  through  the  mud,  while  the  temptation  to  lighten 
the  weary  back  of  its  heavy  burden  resulted  in  a  somewhat  gen 
eral  unloading  of  tents  and  blankets  along  the  highway;  at  the 
same  time  relieving  their  minds  concerning  the  object  of  this 

move,  the  d d  Morgan,  and  the  whole  d d  catalogue  of 

rebels,  in  language  more  forcible  than  elegant. 

We  arrived  at  Russell's  Spring  in  due  time,  making  a  halt 
there  until  four  P.  M.  We  had  twenty-five  prisoners  with  us  to 
be  delivered  here,  of  which  we  were  glad  to  be  relieved. 

At  four  we  started,  at  which  time  it  commenced  to  rain,  keep 
ing  it  up  until  dark.  Much  of  the  time  it  poured  in  torrents, 
but  we  made  a  inarch  of  eight  miles  with  only  two  halts  of  five 
minutes  each,  and  at  dark  encamped  one  mile  from  Shady  Creek, 
soaked  to  the  skin.  It  was  not  found  possible  for  our  supply 
team  to  keep  pace  over  the  very  rough  roads  where  alternate 
sections  of  mud  and  rock  made  progress  well-nigh  impossible. 
Overcoming  obstacles  at  last,  almost  insurmountable,  they  finally 
put  in  an  appearance,  and,  at  nine  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  123 

6th,  we  again  took  up  our  line  of  march,  and,  after  covering  a  dis 
tance  of  eleven  miles,  halted  for  the  night,  reaching  Somerset 
the  next  day,  July  7th,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

The  next  day,  July  8th,  Morgan,  with  his  whole  force,  suc 
ceeded  in  crossing  the  Ohio  River  at  Brandenburg,  landing  in 
Indiana  below  Louisville  at  a  point  distant  from  Somerset  one 
hundred  miles  northwest.  General  Hobson,  who  held  position 
at  Tompkinsville  at  the  time  Morgan  crossed  the  Cumberland  at 
Burkesville  on  the  morning  of  July  4th,  gave  chase,  arriving  at 
Lebanon,  Kentucky,  July  6th,  at  1.30  p.  M.,  soon  after  which, 
Colonel  Wolford,  from  Somerset,  arriving,  General  Hobson,  as 
suming  command  of  the  combined  force  numbering  2,500  cavalry 
and  mounted  infantry,  left  in  hot  haste  by  way  of  Springfield, 
Bardstown  and  Brandenburg,  arriving  in  Brandenburg  in  time 
to  see  one  of  the  transports,  which  had  set  Morgan  and  his  men 
across  the  Ohio  River,  in  flames  and  hear  their  shouts  of  tri 
umph.  Hobson  was  twenty-four  hours  in  obtaining  transporta 
tion  to  cross,  when  the  pursuit  was  resumed. 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  702,  Part  1.] 

July  7,  1863. 

GEN.    HARTSUFF,    Camp    Nelson,,   Ky.: 
The  following  has  just  been  received  from  General  Boyle: 

LOUISVILLE,  July  7,  1863,  6.30  p.  M. 

General  Hobson  with  eight  regiments  of  cavalry  and  mounted 
infantry  is  at  Shepherdsville  in  pursuit  of  Morgan,  pressing  him 
close.  Morgan  has  gone  towards  Elizabethtown  or  Branden 
burg.  I  send  boat  with  300  men  to  Brandenburg.  I  have  an 
swered  Hobson,  by  your  authority,  to  pursue  Morgan  to  the  ex 
tremity  of  endurance  of  his  horses  and  men.  Morgan  has  suf 
fered  much  in  loss  of  officers  and  men.  He  is  robbing  all  citizens 
and  prisoners  of  money. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

CINCINNATI,  July  8,  1863. 
GEN.  BOYLE;  Louisville,  Ky.  : 

The  following  has  just  been  received  from  New  Albany :     Mor 
gan's  force,  from  3,000  to  5,000  strong,  have  crossed  the  river  at 
Brandenburg.     They  captured  one  gun,  50  Home  Guards,  and 
killed  4.     A  boat  has  just  come  up  for  re-enforcements. 
This  is  reliable. 

THOMAS  W.  FRY, 

Surgeon  U.  $.  Army. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

On  the  afternoon  of  July  8th,  while  Morgan  was  crossing 
the  Ohio  River,  with  Hobson  and  Wolford  at  his  heels,  one  hun 
dred  miles  away  to  the  northwest,  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island 
Regiment  at  Somerset  was  called  into  line,  and  at  five  P.  M. 
turned  our  faces  to  the  north,  to  speedily  lessen  the  distance 
gained  by  Hobson,  Wolford  and  Morgan,  as  we  marched  again 
for  Hickman's  Bridge  by  way  of  Crab  Orchard  and  Stanford. 
Marched  six  miles  and  halted  for  the  night.  July  9th  inarched 
twenty-two  miles,  reaching  Crab  Orchard  at  eight  P.  M.  The 
next  day  passed  through  Stanford,  and  halted  for  dinner  one 
mile  from  the  village  at  eleven  A.  M. 

Here  our  colonel  was  informed  that  he  could  give  his  regiment 
a  ride  on  the  supply  train  which  was  all  ready  for  Hickman's 
Bridge.  Our  colonel  gladly  accepted  the  offer,  and  in  one-half 
hour  we  were  aboard  and  on  our  way,  much  to  the  relief  of  weary 
backs  and  blistering  feet.  The  train  made  a  halt  at  Dick  River 
where  we  dismounted  and  encamped. 

The  next  day,  July  llth,  at  one  P.  M.,  we  dismounted  at  Hick 
man's  Bridge,  inarched  up  the  steep  incline  leading  from  the 
river,  and  at  two  r  M.  halted  for  further  orders.  Here  we  re 
mained  until  the  following  morning,  when,  receiving  orders  to 
report  in  Cincinnati,  we  marched  to  Nicholasville,  boarded  the 
train,  and  the  same  night,  at  eleven  o'clock,  arrived  in  Coving-ton. 

On  the  13th,  at  seven  A.  M.,  we  crossed  the  Ohio,  and,  stacking 
arms  in  front  of  the  Fifth  Street  Market  House,  and  with  the 
generous  collation  and  entertainment  provided  us  on  the  evening 


LIEUT.  HENRY  M.  TILLINGHAST. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  125 

of  March  30th  at  the  same  place  still  fresh  in  memory,  we  waited 
the  call  for  breakfast.  Here  we  learned  that  the  omnipresent 
Morgan  was  within  a  few  miles  of  the  city  and  advancing;  mar 
tial  law  was  to  take  effect  in  the  city  at  ten  A.  M.;  companies 
were  arming  and  organizing;  that  Hobson  and  Wolford,  now 
only  a  few  miles  away,  were  rapidly  pushing  Morgan  in  our  di 
rection,  and  that  we  had  arrived  just  in  time  to  assist  in  saving 
the  city  from  the  assault  of  the  enemy. 

After  partaking  of  a  most  generous  collation  at  the  Fifth 
Street  Market  House,  we  lined  up,  took  our  arms,  and,  taking  di 
rection  up  Vine  Street,  at  its  junction  with  a  road  at  Mount  Au 
burn,  on  elevated  ground  overlooking  the  city  and  the  country 
for  many  miles  around,  on  the  afternoon  of  July  13th,  we  estab 
lished  our  camp,  which,  on  the  same  evening,  the  redoubtable 
John  H.  illuminated  by  the  burning  of  bridges,  railroad  trains, 
etc.,  the  flames  from  which  were  plainly  visible,  the  points  of 
destruction  being  only  a  few  miles  away. 

Concerning  the  destruction  of  property,  horse  stealing,  etc., 
the  writer  will  quote  from  General  Shackelford,  who  writes: 

"Our  pursuit  was  much  retarded  by  the  enemy  burning  all  the 
bridges  in  our  front.  He  had  every  advantage.  Morgan's  sys 
tem  of  horse  stealing  was  perfect.  He  would  dispatch  men  from 
the  head  of  each  regiment,  on  each  side  of  the  road,  to  go  five 
miles  into  the  country,  seizing  every  horse,  and  then  fall  in  at 
the  rear  of  the  column.  In  this  way,  he  swept  the  country  for 
ten  miles  of  all  the  horses.  His  depredations  on  the  property  of 
citizens,  his  recklessness  of  the  rights  and  lives  of  the  people, 
while  traveling  in  these  two  states  (Indiana  and  Ohio)  is  with 
out  a  parallel  in  war." 

Here  in  Cincinnati  our  meagre  inarching  rations  of  maggoty 
bacon  gave  way  to  a  bountiful  supply  of  the  choicest  hams  cooked 
to  a  turn ;  while  the  relay  of  sharp  carving  knives  at  hand  indi 
cated  a  decided  change  in  the  commissary  department.  It  is 
needless  to  say  that  when  the  command  was  given  to  charge  on 
these  hams,  every  man  was  present,  no  stragglers  reported.  Sub 
sequent  engagements  failed  to  dislodge  these  hams,  which  were 
strongly  entrenched  and  continually  re-enforced. 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL   RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  634,  Part  1.] 

CINCINNATI,  OHIO,  July  20,  1863. 

I  telegraphed  you  on  the  17th  that  our  forces  were  closing 
around  Morgan  with  a  fair  prospect  of  finally  capturing  or  de 
stroying  the  entire  force. 

During  the  last  three  days  he  has  been  trying  to  cross  the  river 
between  Marietta  and  Portsmouth,  but  our  forces  have  been 
harassing  him,  and,  up  to  the  last  advices,  we  have  captured  more 
than  half  of  his  force,  all  of  his  artillery,  destroyed  all  his  wagon 
trains,  and  killed  some  200.  Among  the  prisoners  are  Basil 
[W.]  Duke,  Colonel  Dick  [K.  C.]  Morgan  (brother  of  the  gen 
eral),  and  some  48  commissioned  officers.  His  command  is  com 
pletely  broken  up  and  scattered,  and  constantly  surrendering  in 
small  bodies.  Not  over  20  or  30  have  succeeded  in  crossing  the 
river  thus  far.  We  hope  to  capture  the  whole  remaining  force 
within  the  next  twenty-four  hours. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-  Gen  eral  Co  mm  an  ding . 

MA j. -GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK,  General-in-Chief. 
(Copy  to  Governor  Tod,  Columbus,  Ohio.) 

OFFICIAL  RECORDS. 
[Series  1,  Vol.  XXIII,  Page  636,  Part  1.] 

CINCINNATI,  OHIO,  July  26,  1863. 

The  following  just  received  at  the  headquarters  from  General 
Shackelford : 

HEADQUARTERS,  U.  S.  FORCES, 
In  the  Field,  three  miles  south  of  New  Lisbon,  via  8alineville.—3.3Q  p.  M. 

By  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God,  I  have  succeeded  in  captur 
ing  General  John  H.  Morgan^  Colonel  Cluke  and  the  balance  of 
the  command,  amounting  to  about  400  prisoners.  I  will  start 
with  Morgan  and  staff  in  first  train  for  Cincinnati,  and  await 
the  general's  order  for  transportation  for  the  balance.' 

I  have  given  directions  for  the  return  of  the  command. 

A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 

Major-  General. 
MAJ.-GEN.  H.  W.  HALLECK, 

G  en  era  l-in-Chief. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  127 

Information  coming  in  from  day  to  day  now  gave  assurance 
that  our  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry  had  now  caught  up  with 
Morgan,  whose  only  hope  of  escape,  with  even  a  portion  of  his 
command  was  to  recross  the  Ohio  and  make  good  his  retreat  by 
way  of  West  Virginia.  His  inability  to  accomplish  this,  after 
persistent  effort,  resulted  in  the  capture  of  himself  and  entire 
force;  the  last  turn  of  the  screw,  the  grand  finale,  taking  place 
July  26th  in  Columbiana  County,  three  miles  south  of  New  Lis 
bon,  twelve  miles  north  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  distant  east-north 
east  from  Cincinnati  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles. 

In  the  meantime,  while  these  events  were  transpiring,  and  all 
apprehension  of  danger  to  Cincinnati  from  Morgan  past,  we  were 
relieved,  and,  at  seven  A.  M.,  Sunday,  July  19th,  we  left  for  Rhode 
Island,  where,  on  the  29th  day  of  July,  1863,  we  were  mustered 
out  of  the  service  of  the  United  States. 

Before  setting  aside  our  record  of  Wolford  and  Kautz,  with 
whom  we  were  associated  at  Jamestown,  on  the  Cumberland,  and 
who  were  foremost  in  pursuit  of  Morgan  from  start  to  finish,  we 
will  quote  from  a  letter  of  General  Shackelford  concerning  them, 
wherein  he  writes : 

"The  noble,  true  and  gallant  Wolford,  who  was  in  the  entire 
pursuit,  is  one  of  the  coolest,  bravest  and  most  efficient  officers 
in  the  army;  and  he  fairly  won,  by  his  untiring  energy,  promo 
tion  at  the  hands  of  the  Government." 

Colonel  Kautz  is  also  spoken  of  as  "deserving  the  gratitude  of 
the  whole  country  for  his  courage  and  gallantry." 

CORRESPONDENCE  PROVIDENCE  JOURNAL. 

FROM  THE  CINCINNATI  GAZETTE,  July  20,  1863. 
A  MUSICAL  REGIMENT. 

In  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Regiment  which  was  camped  last 
week  on  Vine  Street  Hill,  near  the  Methodist  Church,  were  many 
capital  singers.  Thursday  evening,  after  "dress  parade,"  that 
beautiful  and  touching  hymn,  "Nearer,  my  God,  to  thee,"  was 
sung  by  a  portion  of  the  regiment  in  a  style  seldom  excelled  by 
any  choir  or  congregation. 

Wednesday  evening,  on  invitation,  a  large  number  of  the  men 
of  the  regiment  attended  the  prayer  and  social  meeting  in  the 
vestry  of  the  church;  the  exercises  being  conducted  by  a  local 


128  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Methodist  minister  of  Providence,  Rev.  Charles  M.  Winchester, 
lieutenant  in  Company  C. 

The  singing,  chiefly  conducted  by  the  soldiers,  was  appropri 
ate,  earnest,  methodical  and  hearty.  Several  of  the  soldiers  also 
spoke. 

Thursday  evening,  a  wish  having  been  generally  expressed  that 
there  should  be  a  purely  social  meeting  of  the  Mt.  Auburn  peo 
ple  and  soldiers,  the  main  audience  room  of  the  church  was 
thrown  open,  and,  by  eight  o'clock,  it  was  comfortably  filled. 

Private  Dearth,  an  organist  of  Bristol,  R.  L,  presided  with  the 
ease  and  skill  of  an  adept  at  the  melodion,  and,  after  the  singing 
of  one  or  two  pieces  from  the  "Oriola,"  an  introductory  speech 
was  made  by  Mr.  House  of  the  Christian  Advocate,  followed  by 
appropriate  addresses  from  A.  F.  Perry,  Esq.,  Lieutenant  Win 
chester,  George  F.  Davis,  and  Judge  Taft. 

In  the  course  of  his  remarks  Mr.  Perry  said,  that  though 
"Rhode  Island"  was  little  in  square  miles,  she  was  big  in  patri 
otic  hearts. 

Three  days  after  the  first  call  of  the  President,  she  had  a  body 
of  military  at  Washington.  She  had  two  regiments,  and  her 
Governor,  at  the  great  Bull  Run  fight,  and  her  regiments,  or  ar 
tillery — 14  of  the  former,  and  ten  of  the  latter — were  to  be  found 
in  almost  every  section  of  the  Union.  Wherever  a  battle  was 
fought,  ask  for  a  Rhode  Island  regiment,  and  the  answer  was, 
"Here." 

Roger  Williams  was  driven  from  Massachusetts  because  he  did 
not  recognize  the  right  of  the  civil  magistrate  to  interfere  in  the 
right  of  religious  belief.  There  is  no  liberty  of  speech,  or  free 
dom  of  action  where  there  is  no  religious  toleration ;  and  we  are 
to-night  not  so  much  to  sing  "the  spirit  of  John  Brown  is 
marching  on,"  as  we  are  to  sing  the  older  one,  "the  spirit  of  Roger 
Williams  is  marching  on." 

The  speech  was  just  such  an  one  as  Mr.  Perry  can  make,  earn 
est,  compact,  thoughtful,  eloquent,  and  adjusted  to  the  time  and 
place.  It  was  repeatedly  enthusiastically  applauded,  and  Lieu 
tenant  Winchester,  at  the  close,  said  he  had  come  away  from 
home  and  learned  more  about  Rhode  Island,  than  he  had  learned 
at  home.  In  the  audience  was  Captain  Oliver  Hazard  Perry,  of 
Company  H,  a  descendant  of  the  former  Lake  Erie  Commodore 
Perry,  and,  though  he  was  urged  to  make  a  speech,  he  gracefully 
declined  the  honor. 

At  ten  o'clock,  with  the  singing  of  "The  Star  Spangled  Ban 
ner,"  the  citizens  and  the  boys,  dispersed;  all  apparently  well 
pleased  with  the  entertainment,  and  the  acquaintanceship 
formed. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  129 

The  particulars  of  our  journey  from  Cincinnati,  together  with 
our  reception  in  Providence,  we  copy  from  the  Providence  Even 
ing  Press,  of  July  22d,  at  the  conclusion  of  which  is  appended  the 
order  which  General  Burnside,  in  appreciation  of  our  services, 
upon  our  leaving  his  department,  issued  to  the  regiment: 

KETURN  OF  THE  TWELFTH  REGIMENT. 

This  noble  regiment  returned  home  to-day  from  its  arduous 
and  protracted  service  at  the  seat  of  war.  The  unusual  amount 
of  hardship  and  exposure  to  which  it  has  been  subjected,  the  im 
portant  duties  which  it  has  performed,  and  the  heavy  losses  it 
has  sustained  in  the  defense  of  its  country,  made  it  highly,  appro 
priate  that  it  should  be  received  with  demonstrations  expressive 
of  the  popular  interest  in  all  that  concerns  our  brave  soldiers. 

The  record  of  this  regiment  will  compare  favorably  with  that 
of  any  nine  months'  regiment  during  the  war.  In  addition  to 
long  and  frequent  marches,  they  have  spent  seven  months  of 
their  time  at  the  front,  in  the  face  of  danger,  and  where  the  du 
ties  imposed  upon  them  have  taxed  their  every  energy  to  the 
utmost. 

The  regiment  left  Cincinnati  on  Sunday  morning  and  pro 
ceeded  to  Dunkirk  by  rail,  on  the  Erie  Railroad,  and  thence  to 
New  York,  where  they  arrived  at  eleven  o'clock  yesterday  morn 
ing.  They  started  about  one  o'clock  for  Providence,  on  the 
steamer  Commodore,  arriving  about  four  o'clock,  a  short  distance 
below  Nayatt,  where  they  anchored.  They  came  up  to  the  city 
shortly  afterwards,  and  landed  about  seven  o'clock. 

A  salute  was  fired  by  the  Marine  Artillery.  The  Fourth  and 
Sixth  Regiments,  Rhode  Island  Militia,  were  drawn  up  on  Bene 
fit  Street  to  receive  the  returning  veterans,  and  loudly  cheered 
them  as  they  passed  through  the  open  lines.  A  crowd  of  expect 
ant  friends  who  had  assembled  at  the  Point,  immediately 
gathered  around  the  gallant  boys,  and  the  short  halt  was  im 
proved  in  the  interchange  of  greetings. 

About  eight  o'clock  the  line  of  march  was  formed  in  the  follow 
ing  order: 

AMERICAN   BRASS   BAND. 

DRUM  CORPS. 

SECTION   OF  MARINE  ARTILLERY. 
SIXTH  REGIMENT  R.  I.  M.,  COL.  JAMES  H.  ARMINGTON. 

DRUM  CORPS. 
FOURTH  REGIMENT  R.  I.  M.,  COL.  NELSON  VIALL. 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

DRUM  COKPS. 

TWELFTH  REGIMENT  R.  I.  V.,  COL.  GEORGE  II.  BROWNE. 
LIEUT.  COL.  JAMES  SHAW,  JR.,  MAJ.  CYRUS  G.  DYER. 

ADJUTANT  MATTHEW  N.  CHAPPELL. 
CO.  B,  CAPT.  JAMES  M.  LONGSTREET. 

LIEUTS.  ALBERT  W.  DELANAH  and  CHARLES  A.  WINCHESTER. 
CO.   I,    CAPT.  GEORGE  A.  SPINK. 

LIEUTS.  MUNSON  H.  NAJAC  and  JOHN  H.  WEAVER. 
CO.  F,    CAPT.  WILLIAM  E.  HUBBARD. 

LIEUTS.  WILLIAM  II.  KING  and  FRANCISCO  M.  BALLOU. 
CO.  K,  CAPT.  OSCAR  LAPHAM. 

LIEUTS.  EDMUND  W.  FALES  and  CHARLES  H.  POTTER. 
CO.  E,  (COLOR  COMPANY.) 

CAPT.  JOHN  J.  PHILLIPS. 

LIEUTS.  LUTHER  COLE  and  EDWARD  V.  WESTCOTT. 
CO.  D,  CAPT,  JOHN  P.  ABBOTT. 

LIEUTS.  GEORGE  H.  TABOR  and  HENRY  M.  TILLINGHAST. 
CO.  H,  CAPT.  OLIVER  H.  PERRY. 

LIEUTS.  ARNOLD  SALISBURY  and  J.  N.  WILLIAMS. 
CO.  A,  CAPT.  CHRISTOPHER  H.  ALEXANDER. 

LIEUTS.  EDWARD  F.  BACON  and  JOSEPH  C.  WHITING,  Ju. 
CO.  G,  CAPT.  WILLIAM  C.  ROGERS. 

LIEUTS.  JAMES  A.  Bo  WEN  and  FENNER  PECKHAM,  JR. 
CO.  C,  CAPT.  JAMES  H.  ALLEN. 

LIEUTS.  GEORGE  BUCKLIN  and  BERIAH  BROWNING. 

QUARTERMASTER  JOHN  L.  CLARKE. 

SURGEON  BENONI  CARPENTER. 

ASSIST.  SURGEON  SAMUEL  M.  FLETCHER. 

CHAPLAIN  S.  W.  FIELD. 
Rear  guard  of  twenty  men  detailed  from  all  the  companies. 

The  procession  marched  over  the  usual  route  to  Exchange 
Place,  where  the  men  stacked  arms,  and  universal  handshaking 
was  the  order  of  the  day.  The  streets  were  lined  with  people. 
Flags  were  hung  out  all  along  the  line  of  march;  handkerchiefs 
were  waving  everywhere,  and  bouquets  and  wreaths  were  scat 
tered  with  a  liberal  hand.  The  regiments  doing  escort  duty 
turned  out  with  very  full  ranks,  and  made  a  most  effective  dem 
onstration.  A  fine  collation,  served  by  L.  A.  Humphreys,  was 
provided  for  the  troops  in  Howard  Hall.  There  were  eight  ta 
bles  running  the  entire  length  of  the  room,  neatly  spread  with 
most  acceptable  fare,  presenting  a  most  cheerful  and  inviting  ap 
pearance. 

The  officers  of  the  regiments  were  entertained  upon  the  plat 
form;  about  two  thousand  plates  were  laid,  and  all  three  of  the 
regiments  were  amply  provided  for. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Swain,  of  the  Sixth  Eegiment,  invoked  a  blessing 


CAPT.  OLIVER  H.  PERRY. 


Y6  Sfc* 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  131 

upon  the  repast,  after  which  his  Excellency  Governor  Smith, 
came  forward,  and,  in  a  very  happy  manner,  welcomed  the  regi 
ment  back  to  the  State,  and  thanked  them  for  the  services  they 
had  rendered  in  the  field. 

Colonel  Browne  responded  substantially  as  follows : 

"In  my  own  behalf,  and  that  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  under 
my  command,  I  thank  you  for  the  kind  manner  in  which  you 
have  been  pleased  to  speak  of  us.  Next  to  the  approbation  of 
our  own  conscience,  we  prize  most  highly  the  approbation  of 
those  we  love.  That  approbation  we  enjoy.  To  the  utmost  of 
our  ability  since  we  left  the  State  we  have  endeavored  to  uphold 
her  honor,  and  to  labor  for  the  suppression  of  the  Rebellion.  We 
prize  this  reception  as  an  evidence  of  your  approval.  Your 
words  of  praise  show  that  our  services  have  not  been  unmarked. 
Still  it  may  be  well  for  one  to  advert  briefly  to  some  facts  in  our 
history  as  a  regiment. 

"We  have  traveled  over  three  thousand  five  hundred  miles,  five 
hundred  of  which  has  been  on  foot,  literally  carrying  the  houses 
we  lived  in,  the  provisions  on  which  we  were  to  subsist  for  six 
and  even  eight  days,  and  the  arms  with  which  we  were  to  defend 
ourselves  and  oppose  the  enemy. 

"On  the  field  of  Fredericksburg  one  hundred  and  nine  of  my 
brave  men  were  lost  to  my  command.  Afterwards  when  pesti 
lence  stalked  through  our  camp,  and,  amid  hardships  and  priva 
tion,  one  hundred  and  twenty  more  were  swept  away  in  three 
short  weeks, — not  all,  indeed,  to  the  silent  grave,  since  a  few 
still  linger  in  hospitals. 

"But  through  the  constant  efforts  of  my  officers  to  preserve 
cleanliness  and  discipline  in  camp,  we  are  happy  in  bringing  back 
to  our  friends  to-day  over  seven  hundred  of  those  who  marched 
with  me  to  the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock. 

"Our  duties  have  been  of  the  most  varied  kind.  But  through 
them  all  the  uniform  kindness  of  the  State  has  at  all  times 
watched  over  us.  While  we  were  in  camp,  where  pestilence  as 
sailed  us  and  want  made  us  suffer,  your  good  ship  Elizabeth  and 
Helen  brought  us  much  needed  supplies,  and,  if  your  bounty 
burdened  our  backs,  it  certainly  lightened  our  hearts  and  cheered 
us  on  the  weary  march. 

"Let  me,  in  conclusion,  congratulate  you,  the  officers  who  sur 
round  you,  and  all  our  citizens,  that  we  arrive  at  home  at  a  time 
when  everything  is  so  cheering  and  prosperous.  Gentlemen,  . 
.  .  you  will  see  this  country  a  reunited  country,  a  mighty  na 
tion  whose  arms  will  be  more  a  shield  for  every  citizen  than  was 
ever  Rome  in  her  proudest  days." 


132  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  collation,  the  military  were  dismissed. 
The  Twelfth  Regiment  was  ordered  to  re-assemble  in  this  city  on 
Wednesday  next  at  ten  o'clock. 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  OHIO. 

CINCINNATI,  OHIO,  July  17,  1863, 

GENERAL  ORDERS,  ) 
No.  115.  ( 

On  the  departure  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Vol 
unteers,  at  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  enlistment,  the  com 
manding  general  wishes  to  express  his  regret  at  taking  leave  of 
soldiers  who,  in  their  brief  service,  have  become  veterans.  After 
passing  through  experiences  of  great  hardship  and  danger,  they 
will  return  with  the  proud  satisfaction  that  in  the  ranks  of  their 
country's  defenders,  the  reputation  of  their  State  has  not  suf 
fered  in  their  hands. 

BY   COMMAND   OF    MAJOR-GENERAL  BUENSIDE. 

LEWIS  RICHMOND, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


PART  SECOND 


A    NARRATIVE    OF    THE    TWELFTH     RHODE    ISLAND 

VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY  IN  THE  CIVIL  WAR  FROM 

JANUARY  8,  1863,  TO  JULY  17  1863. 

COMPILED    BY 

COL.  DANIEL    R.    BALLOU, 
FROM  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  JAMES  SHAW,  JR. 


JAMES  SHAW,  JR.,  of  Providence,  E.  I.,  having  been  commis 
sioned  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Twelfth  Khode  Island  Volunteer 
Infantry  on  the  31st  of  December,  1862,  was  mustered  in  as  such 
on  the  fifth  day  of  January,  1863,  at  Providence.  He  joined  the 
regiment  near  Falmouth,  Va.,  on  the  8th. 

The  regiment  had  been  encamped  with  the  Ninth  Corps  across 
the  river  from  Fredericksburg  since  the  battle  early  in  Decem 
ber.  The  men  were  enduring  great  discomfort,  if  not  actual  suf 
fering,  for  want  of  adequate  shelter  from  the  midwinter  winds 
and  storms  that  swept  down  from  the  north.  Many  of  the  men 
were  without  blankets,  which  had' been  lost  during  the  fight,  and 
had  only  shelter  tents  to  protect  them  from  the  cold  and  storms. 
When  the  weather  was  mild  or  it  rained  the  clayey  soil  was  one 
sea  of  mud  inside  as  well  as  outside  of  the  rude  shelters  w^hich 
had  been  improvised  out  of  shelter  tents,  boughs  and  cracker 
boxes. 

An  abstract  from  a  letter  written  by  a  New  York  officer  in  the 
corps  of  Sigel  dated  at  Stafford  Court  House,  Va.,  December 
19th,  well  describes  the  situation  of  the  entire  army  during  that 
winter. 

.  .  .  "Our  one  tent  is  a  pig-sty.  Four  of  us  sleep  and  six 
of  us  eat  and  write  in  it.  We  have  nothing  either  in  our  one 
stove  inside  or  on  the  little  space  outside  that  can  be  called  a 


136  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

fire.  The  wood  is  all  green  pine.  The  smoke  hangs  to  the  ground 
and  there  is  no  wind  to  blow  off  what  comes  from  a  whole  divi 
sion  crowded  into  an  acre  or  two  of  land.  Everybody  is  crying. 
Everybody  is  cross.  .  .  .  It  is  hard  to  get  water,  and  such  a 
thing  as  a  good  wash  is  unknown.  .  .  .  Everybody  in  camp 
has  a  cold.  .  .  .  Our  Dutch  doctor  has  been  drunk  for  two 
days  and  is  in  arrest  .  .  .  and  there  is  no  delicacy  or  com 
fort  to  be  found  the  whole  country  through;  .  .  .  mud  is 
everywhere." 

A  correspondent  writing  from  the  regiment  at  Newport  News 
thus  described  the  situation  of  the  camp  of  the  Twelfth  near 
Falmouth : 

"At  the  last  camp  near  Falmouth,  which  the  boys  call  "Camp 
between  life  and  death/'  we  got  but  little  to  eat  that  did  us  any 
good,  lived  in  mud,  water  and  smoke,  until  we  were  so  poor  and 
black  that  could  Wendell  Phillips  have  seen  us,  he  would  have 
found  (the  poor  black  man  of  the  Union  army)  a  good  theme  for 
his  eloquence  and  benevolence.  Coming  up  out  of  that  "Valley 
and  the  shadow  of  death,"  and  pitching  our  tents  here  in  this 
land  "flowing  with  milk  and  honey,"  .  .  .  and  an  abundance 
of  army  supplies  from  Uncle  Sam,  it  has  taken  nearly  all  our 
time  to  renew  our  wasted  bodies  and  revive  our  drooping  spirits, 
that  we  may  be  prepared  for  the  duties  that  await  us." 

With  all  these  discomforts  and  deprivations  the  men  had  come 
to  accept  the  situation  resignedly,  if  not  with  a  degree  of  cheer 
fulness  as  the  common  lot  of  a  soldier's  experience. 

Amid  such  depressing  surroundings  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw 
found  the  regiment ;  but  officers  and  men  received  him  with  a  cor 
dial  welcome. 

Quartermaster-General  George  Lewis  Cooke,  who  came  on  to 
Washington  with  us  as  acting  lieutenant-colonel,  left  the  regi 
ment  in  November  at  Fairfax  Seminary  and  returned  home,  since 
which  time  the  vacancy  had  been  unfilled. 

The  regiment  had  been  so  much  on  the  move  that  there  had 
been  but  little  opportunity  for  drill,  in  which  it  was  somewhat 
deficient.  The  boys  had  heard  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw's 
coming  and  that  he  was  a  strict  disciplinarian.  Many  of  the 
boys  hailed  his  coming  on  this  account  with  much  satisfaction, 
while  others,  chafing  against  all  discipline,  were  prepared  to 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  137 

dislike  him.  It  was  soon  evident  after  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Shaw's  arrival  that  the  regiment  was  going  to  be  brought  up 
to  the  proper  fighting  standard,  let  the  boys  like  it  or  not. 
It  was  at  the  request  of  Colonel  Browne  that  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Shaw  assumed  the  duty  of  bringing  the  regiment  up 
to  an  efficient  standard  as  a  fighting  machine.  There  was  a  good 
deal  of  kicking  around  the  camp-fires,  a  deal  of  pretty  harsh 
criticism  expressed  in  undertones,  as  to  the  unfeeling  and  severe 
treatment  to  which  the  boys  were  being  subjected.  But  all 
hands,  aside  from  the  shirks,  finally  came  to  understand  that 
this  same  unwelcome  discipline  was  their  only  safeguard  in  the 
stern  business  of  war. 

Each  day  now  had  its  round  of  picket  duty  along  the  banks  of 
the  Bappahannock  or  of  company  or  battalion  drill. 

On  the  20th  of  January  there  were  signs  of  some  general  move 
ment  by  the  great  army  which  for  many  weeks  had  lain  passively 
along  those  heights  like  some  monster  creature  with  a  vast  body, 
and  many  limbs  and  feet.  First  it  lifts  its  head  and  puts  for 
ward  a  foot,  then  slowly  another  and  another  until  its  great  body 
is  raised  from  the  ground  upon  which  it  rested.  Then  it  slowly 
moves  forward  one  foot  after  another  until  its  vast  bulk  is  in 
motion.  So  all  day  long,  regiments,  brigades,  and  divisions,  the 
feet  of  this  great  army  were  moving,  while  other  feet  were  await 
ing  their  turn.  Colonel  Browne,  during  the  day,  called  at  Gen 
eral  Burnside's  headquarters.  He  returned  saying:  "The  army 
is  in  motion  and  the  regiment  will  soon  receive  its  orders."  All 
the  morning  there  could  be  seen  a  long  line  of  troops  moving 
along  a  road  up  the  river  about  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  the  camp  of 
the  Twelfth.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  regiment  re 
ceived  orders  from  General  Burnside  saying:  "The  army  of  the 
Potomac  will  soon  meet  the  enemy  and  strike  a  fatal  blow." 

At  about  ten  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  that  day  the  order  came 
to  be  ready  to  move  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning,  the  21st. 
At  6.30  on  the  evening  of  the  20th  it  began  to  rain,  and  soon  the 
storm  developed  into  a  raging  tempest.  At  two  A  M.  an  order 
was  received,  dated  20th,  8.30  p.  M.,  directing  the  regiment  not  to 
move  if  the  rain  should  continue.  The  next  day  the  storm  was 
unabated,  the  rain  falling  in  torrents,  and  the  monster  battle- 
giant,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  or  so  much  of  it  as  had  got  in 


138  HISTORY    OP   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT  ^ 

motion  the  day  -before,  was  floundering  helplessly  and  hopelessly 
in  a  sea  of  mud. 

On  the  23d  the  troops,  artillery  and  baggage  wagons,  were 
slowly  toiling  through  the  mud  back  into  camp,  which  they  at 
length  reached,  and  thus  this  mailed  monster  of  war  settled  back 
in  his  lair.  Had  the  weather  been  propitious  Franklin  and 
Hooker  would  have  crossed  the  river  and  attacked  the  right  flank 
of  Lee's  army,  while  Stunner's  grand  division  would  have  crossed 
at  Falmouth  and  attacked  the  enemy  in  the  rear  as  Franklin  and 
Hooker  doubled  him  up.  The  general  opinion  of  the  army  was 
that  this  movement  wrould  have  been  successful  and  opened  the 
road  to  Richmond. 

On  January  26th  the  order  of  General  Burnside  was  read  on 
dress  parade,  announcing  the  transfer,  in  pursuance  of  the  order 
of  President  Lincoln,  of  the  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  to  Major-General  Hooker.  It  also  read : 

"The  short  time  he  has  directed  your  movements  has  not 
been  fruitful  of  victory,  nor  any  considerable  advancement  of 
our  lines,  but  it  has  again  demonstrated  an  amount  of  courage, 
patience  and  endurance  that  under  more  favorable  circumstances 
would  have  accomplished  great  results.''  He  at  the  same  time 
expressed  especial  regret  at  parting  with  the  Ninth  Corps,  his 
old  and  tried  command. 

General  Burnside  had  been  unfortunate  in  succeeding  to 
the  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  at  a  time  when 
it  was  honeycombed  by  political  intrigue,  and  insubordina 
tion  was  rife  among  its  general  officers.  In  his  last  movement  he 
could  not  compete  with  the  elements,  and  was  obliged  to  yield  to 
the  inevitable.  The  impartial  historian  will,  in  the  future,  when 
the  true  history  of  the  war  is  written,  as  it  will  be,  cause  the 
record  to  show  a  full  and  complete  vindication  of  these  unsuc 
cessful  campaigns  of  this  much  censured  commander  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac. 

President  Lincoln,  in  his  address  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
after  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  said:  "Although  you  were 
not  successful,  the  attempt  was  not  an  error  nor  the  failure  an 
accident." 

The  weather  was  at  times  exceedingly  cold.  Many  of  the  men 
were  frost-bitten,  and  one  man  in  the  Seventh  Regiment  got  out 


LIEUT.   ARNOLD    F.    SALISBURY. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  139 

upon  the  company  street,  during  a  very  cold  night  and  was 
found  the  next  morning  frozen  to  death.  Very  many  of  the  men 
having  only  little  shelter  tents  for  protection,  were  forced  to 
crawl  into  them  in  very  cold  or  stormy  weather  and  under  cover 
of  their  blankets  keep  themselves  as  comfortable  as  possible. 
The  men  were  buoyed  up  by  the  hope  that  these  discomforts  and 
sufferings  could  not  last  always.  Just  when  the  situation  seemed 
the  very  darkest  and  most  hopeless,  deliverance  was  near  at 
hand.  On  February  6th  an  order  was  received  from  headquar 
ters  for  the  Ninth  Army  Corps  to  move  as  soon  as  possible  to 
Acquia  Creek  and  report  to  General  Dix  at  Fortress  Monroe. 
Eumor  had  it  that  Burnside  had  been  assigned  to  a  new  depart 
ment,  including  North  and  South  Carolina,  and  that  the  Twelfth, 
with  the  rest  of  the  Ninth  Corps  were  bound  for  Newbern  or 
Hilton  Head. 

About  this  time  new  rifles  and  equipments  were  received  and 
distributed  among  the  men  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Shaw. 

On  the  8th  of  February  the  Ninth  Corps  was  beginning  to 
move  on  the  way  to  Acquia  Creek  to  take  passage  down  the  Po 
tomac  for  Fortress  Monroe.  The  Twelfth  was  the  last  regiment 
of  the  division  to  which  it  was  attached  to  move,  having  received 
its  orders  at  one  P.  M.,  February  9th.  At  three  p.  M.  the  regi 
ment  had  broken  camp  and  was  off  for  the  station,  but  not  until 
seven  p.  M.  were  the  men  aboard  the  train,  which  was  made  up  of 
box-freight  cars  which  were  crowded  to  their  fullest  capacity  in 
side  and  on  top.  The  men  inside  were  in  mortal  fear  that  the 
roofs  which  bent  and  creaked  from  the  pressure  of  the  great 
loads  would  collapse  and  crush  them,  and  those  on  top  were  as 
fearful  of  being  precipitated  through  the  roofs. 

At  Acquia  Creek  it  was  found  that  the  long-expected  schooner 
from  Providence  laden  with  supplies  for  the  Rhode  Island  boys 
had  just  arrived.  Mr.  Manchester,  the  supercargo,  was  ordered 
to  follow  to  Fortress  Monroe  and  deliver  to  the  Rhode  Island 
organizations  of  the  Ninth  Corps  their  share  of  the  cargo,  and 
then  return  and  deliver  the  balance  to  the  organizations  remain 
ing  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Her  consignment  consisted  of 
fruit  and  vegetables,  which  were  thrice  welcome  after  a  long 
continued  diet  of  hard-tack  and  salt  meats. 


140  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

At  ten  p.  M.,  of  the  9th,  the  regiment  embarked  on  board  the 
steamers  Metaniora  and  Juniota,  which  swung  into  the  stream 
and  anchored  over  night.  The  next  day,  the  10th,  the  steamers 
were  running  down  the  Potomac  headed  for  Fortress  Monroe. 
After  a  pleasant  but  uneventful  trip,  the  steamers  rounded  the 
fort  and  anchored  inside,  the  Rip  Raps  laying  off  our  stern  quar 
ters  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  llth.  At  nine  A.  M.  it 
received  orders  to  steam  up  to  Newport  News,  which  was  the 
first  knowledge  the  command  had  of  its  destination.  It  arrived 
at  twelve  noon  of  the  llth  of  February  and  the  men  disembarked, 
and  that  afternoon  the  camp  was  laid  out  and  the  men,  although 
having  only  their  shelter  tents  and  blankets,  made  themselves 
as  comfortable  as  possible  in  their  new  home,  thankful  that  they 
had  escaped  from  the  disgusting  ooze  and  mud  of  Falmouth. 

This  was  an  ideal  camping-ground  on  the  shores  of  the  mag 
nificently  broad  expanse  of  the  waters  of  Hampton  Roads  at  the 
mouth  of  the  James  River.  It  is  a  broad  plateau  of  light,  sandy 
soil,  standing  well  up  from  the  water,  landlocked  from  the  north 
winds  and  having  a  mild  temperature.  In  the  balmy,  bracing 
air  and  changed  conditions,  the  deprivations  and  sufferings  of 
"Camp  Mud"  became  almost  a  forgotten  memory.  Here  the  men 
received  their  share  of  the  schooner's  cargo  of  fruits  and  vege 
tables,  which  they  very  much  enjoyed  after  their  prolonged  fast 
ing.  To  these  rations  were  now  also  added  in  generous  supply 
the  delicious  oysters  of  these  waters,  which  could  be  procured  at 
a  very  small  cost.  Either  oysters  stewed,  oysters  fried,  oysters 
roasted,  or  oysters  as  big  as  your  hand,  on  the  half -shell,  graced 
the  daily  bill  of  fare.  "A"  tents  for  the  men  and  wall  tents  for 
officers  were  shortly  supplied,  and  the  camp  through  the  thought 
ful  interest  of  Colonel  Browne,  soon  took  on  an  air  both  of  com 
fort  and  permanence. 

Colonel  Browne  took  almost  a  fatherly  interest  in  the  welfare 
of  his  men.  He  was  solicitous  both  of  their  health  and  personal 
comfort  and  endeared  himself  to  all,  both  officers  and  men,  by 
his  watchful  care  of  them. 

A  correspondent  of  one  of  the  Providence  papers,  writing  from 
the  regiment,  said : 

"Colonel  Browne  continues  to  merit  and  receive  the  affection 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  141 

and  respect  of  both  officers  and  men,  and  could  he  know  all  the 
hearts  of  his  regiment,  he  would  have  enough  to  cheer  him  in  all 
his  endeavors  for  our  good." 

Under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  company  and 
battalion  drill  formed  a  considerable  portion  of  the  dally  routine, 
in  which  both  officers  and  men  made  rapid  progress  and  profi 
ciency.  These  duties,  with  brigade  drill  and  picket  service,  kept  the 
men  busy  most  of  the  time.  On  February  25th  the  Ninth  Corps  wa  3 
reviewed  by  General  Dix,  and  General  Smith  commanding  the 
corps.  Colonel  Griffin,  of  the  Ninth  New  Hampshire,  acting 
brigadier-general,  commanded  the  brigade  to  which  the  Twelfth 
was  attached,  with  General  Nagle  in  command  of  the  division. 
There  were  in  all  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  thousand  men,  and 
fifty  pieces  of  artillery  in  line  by  batteries,  the  infantry  in  line 
by  battalion  in  mass.  It  was  an  impressively  magnificent  spec 
tacle,  as  Generals  Dix  and  Smith  and  their  staffs  came  riding 
down  the  line,  the  brilliant  retinue  receiving  an  accession  of  the- 
general  and  staff  commanding  each  division  as  its  front  was 
passed,  the  bands  playing  "Hail  to  the  Chief."  After  the  entire 
line  had  been  passed,  the  reviewing  generals  and  their  staffs  rode 
around  to  the  rear  taking  their  posts  on  the  right.  Then  the 
great  machine  of  blood  and  muscle  changed  direction  by  the  left 
flank,  and  in  column  in  mass  marched  in  review. 

There  had  been  considerable  sickness  among  the  men  of  the 
Twelfth  since  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  mainly  typhoid  fever. 
There  were  twelve  deaths  between  January  and  the  25th  of  Feb 
ruary.  The  wonder  is,  with  the  unsanitary  conditions  at  Fal- 
mouth,  the  exposures  and  the  character  of  the  food  and  water, 
that  the  sickness  and  mortality  were  not  much  greater. 

On  the  26th.  of  February  Sergeant  Babcock,  of  New  Shorehani, 
a  member  of  Company  D,  died  of  typhoid  fever,  and  another  man 
was  very  low  and  not  expected  to  survive.  Three  men  in  all  died 
of  typhoid  fever  at  Newport  News,  contracted  doubtless  in  the 
camp  at  Falmouth.  There  was  little  other  sickness  in  the  canip 
at  Newport  News  aside  from  the  measles.  The  regiment  was 
credited  with  maintaining  the  best  camp  in  the  brigade,  and  offi 
cers  and  men  received  many  compliments  from  brigade  and  divi 
sion  inspectors. 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

During  Colonel  Browne's  absence  in  Washington  on  leave, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  being  left  in  command,  adopted  a  sys 
tem  of  prizes,  as  rewards  to  men  for  cleanliness  of  clothing, 
equipments  and  muskets,  and  also  to  the  best  and  second-best 
companies  in  the  regiment  measured  by  a  like  standard  of  neat 
ness.  The  plan  was  at  once  fruitful  in  creating  a  spirit  of  emu 
lation  and  rivalry  among  the  men.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  in 
speaking  of  the  results  of  this  plan,  said :  "No  men  now  dare  to 
come  on  duty  dirty,  and  I  have  about  one  hundred  muskets  that 
can't  be  beat  by  any  command.  I  will  have  them  all  so." 

On  the  13th  of  March  a  rumor  reached  camp,  which  proved 
true,  that  the  Union  forces  at  Suffolk  had  been  attacked  by  the 
rebels.  The  Third  Division,  to  which  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island 
Infantry  was  attached,  was  ordered  to  proceed  at  once  to  Suf 
folk,  which  it  did,  and  where  it  remained  for  some  time. 

During  the  encampment  at  Newport  News,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Shaw  procured  and  caused  to  be  distributed  among  the  com 
panics  a  number  of  foot-balls  and  checker-boards  for  the  recrea 
tion  of  the  men,  which  were  much  appreciated,  and  which  served 
to  break  the  somewhat  dreary  monotony  of  camp  life.  On  the 
13th  of  March  swords  were  presented  to  both  Capt.  William  H. 
Hubbard  and  Lieut.  Francisco  M.  Ballou,  of  Company  F. 

After  more  than  a  month  spent  in  this  delightful  camp,  during 
which  time  the  men  of  the  entire  army  corps  recuperated  both 
their  spirits  and  energies,  the  order  came  to  the  regiment  on  the 
17th  of  March  to  be  ready  to  move  at  a  moment's  notice  with  two 
days'  cooked  rations  in  haversacks.  It  was  rumored  through 
the  camp  that  the  Union  forces  on  the  Blackwater  in  Suffolk, 
Va.,  had  met  with  a  reverse,  and  that  the  division  to  which  the 
Twelfth  was  attached  was  to  be  sent  to  re-enforce  them.  The 
next  day,  however,  the  order  of  yesterday  to  prepare  rations  was 
countermanded  and  nothing  more  was  heard  about  Suffolk  or  the 
Blackwater. 

On  the  21st,  however,  the  command  again  received  orders  to 
move  with  five  days'  rations  as  soon  as  transports  should  arrive, 
but  no  information  was  communicated  as  to  its  destination.  In 
formation  having  been  received  in  the  meantime,  however,  that 
Burnside  had  been  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  Department 
of  the  Ohio,  the  men  guessed,  and  quite  rightly,  too,  that  the 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  143 

Ninth  Corps  was  to  go  to  that  department.  On  the  25th,  at  six 
p.  MV  the  order  came  to  strike  tents,  and,  in  a  few  moments,  the 
debris  of  our  camp,  which  had  been  gathered  together  and  util 
ized  to  make  the  quarters  of  officers  and  men  comfortable,  was 
piled  up  and  fired  and  great  tongues  of  flame  were  lighting  up 
the  heavens,  and  the  men,  with  three  hearty  cheers,  turned  their 
backs  with  just  a  sigh  of  regret  upon  the  charred  and  blackened 
remnants  of  the  camp.  The  regiment,  together  with  baggage 
and  horses,  except  one  company,  B,  which  was  embarked  on  the 
steamer  S-wan  with  the  Seventh  Rhode  Island  Infantry,  wrere 
placed  on  board  the  steamer  Long  Island.  The  steamers  got 
under  way  at  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  ran  up  Chesa 
peake  Bay,  arriving  at  Baltimore  at  7.30  o'clock  p.  M.  of  the  same 
day.  There  being  no  cars  ready  to  receive  the  men,  they  were 
held  on  board  till  the  next  morning,  the  27th.  The  regiment  was 
marched  across  the  city  to  the  station  of  the  Northern  Central 
Railroad,  where  the  men  stacked  arms  to  await  the  train  that 
was  to  take  them  over  the  mountains  to  Cincinnati,  to  report  to 
General  Burnside,  whose  headquarters  were  at  the  Burnett 
House.  Now  the  soldier  is  an  exceedingly  social  individual,  if 
he  is  a  fighting  man,  and  he  at  once  sought  the  society  of  such 
persons  living  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  as  were  disposed 
to  dispense  hospitality  for  a  consideration,  with  the  result  that 
the  social  natures  of  very  many  of  the  boys  had  become  somewhat 
overwrought  before  the  cars  arrived  to  receive  them.  They 
were,  however,  a  very  amiable  body  of  men,  although  their  lan 
guage  was  more  expressive  and  forceful  than  polite.  Everybody 
kept  good-natured,  and,  by  12.30  P.  M.,  all  were  on  board  and  oft% 
for  their  far  away  destination. 

The  route  lay  over  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  by  way  of  Har- 
risburg,  Altoona,  and  Pittsburg.  With  the  exception  of  a  dis 
abled  engine  at  Cockeysville,  seventeen  miles  out  of  Baltimore, 
there  were  no  accidents.  The  ride  over  the  Alleghanies  was  an 
enjoyable  diversion  for  all  who  had  not  enjoyed  the  privilege  of 
seeing  mountain  scenery.  The  engineering  features  of  the  road 
winding  up  and  down  the  mountain  side,  together  with  the  fa 
mous  horse-shoe  loop,  were,  in  those  days,  a  wonderful  exhibition 
of  engineering  skill,  but  in  these  later  days  of  advanced  engineer 
ing  art  this  piece  of  construction  attracts  but  little  attention,  al- 


HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

though  the  scenic  features  of  these  mountains  will  ever  remain 
picturesquely  beautiful  and  grand  to  look  upon.     The  regiment 
reached  Pittsburg  at  11.30  o'clock  p.  M.,  March  29th,  and  officers 
and  men  upon  their  arrival  were  met  by  representatives  of  the 
citizens  of  the  town  and  invited  to  a  collation  at  the  City  Hall, 
a  courtesy  extended  to  all  the  troops  passing  through  their  city. 
It  was  a  pretty  late  hour  for  dinner,  but  all  were  hungry  and  did 
ample  justice  to  the  bountiful  supply  of  good  things  placed  be 
fore  them,  not  forgetting  to  express  appreciative   acknowledg 
ment  of  the  patriotic  hospitality  of  Pittsburgh  loyal  men  and 
women.     The  men  were  marched  back  to  the  station,  but  no  train 
being  ready  to  receive  them,  and,  although  it  was  extremely  cold, 
the  men  wrapped  themselves  in  their  blankets  and  laid  down  in 
the  station  and  outside  on  the  platform,  and,  wearied  by  the  long- 
journey  and  loss  of  sleep,  were  soon  in  the  land  of  dreams;  but 
they  were  up  and  off  early  in  the  morning.     Company  A,  Capt. 
Christopher  H.  Alexander  and  a  part  of  Company  C  in  charge  of 
Lieut.  Daniel  K.  Ballou,  were  left  behind  for  want  of  transporta 
tion,  to  come  on  later  with  their  commands  and  the  stragglers. 
The  regiment  arrived  in  Cincinnati  at  about  eight  o'clock  p.  M. 
March  30th,  being  received  with  demonstrations  of  applause  by 
the  populance,  who  crowded  the  streets  through  which  it  passed. 
The  men  were  furnished  with  a  good  supper,  after  which,  headed 
by  the  brigade  band,  they  marched  through  the  streets  receiving 
an  ovation  from  the  vast  crowds  of  men,  women  and  children 
who  crowded  the  sidewalks.     When  it  passed  the  headquarters 
of  Burnside,  the  men  gave  three  times  three  rousing  cheers  for 
their  old  commander  and  continued  on  to  the  river,  which  was 
crossed  on  ferryboats  over  to  Covington  on  the  Kentucky  side. 
No  cars  being  ready  for  its  transportation,  the  men  camped  in 
the  station  until  morning.     At  eleven  o'clock  the  next  morning, 
April  1st,  Company  A  and  part  of  Company  C,  together  with  the 
stragglers    left   behind   at   Pittsburg,    having   arrived,   the   men 
boarded  the  cars  for  Lexington,  where  they  arrived  at  9.15  that 
morning,  remaining  over  night  in  the  train.     The  next  morning 
the  regiment  was  marched  through  the  town  out  to  the  Fair 
Grounds  about  a  mile  distant.     Camp  was  located,  the  men  put 
up  their  shelter  tents,  and,  in  short  order,  things  took  on  a  com 
fortable  and  homelike  appearance.     The  weather  was  damp  and 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  145 

cold  and  very  many  had  contracted  colds  from  which  they  were 
suffering  more  or  less. 

Ashland,  the  home  of  Henry  Clay,  could  be  seen  through  the 
trees  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away,  and,  looming  above  the  buildings 
of  the  town,  in  the  cemetery  beyond,  his  statue,  surmounting  a 
noble  shaft  of  Kentucky  marble.  The  regiment  enjoyed  a  rest  of 
nearly  a  week  in  this  delightful  camp. 

On  April  6th  the  command  received  orders  to  move  the  next 
day  to  Winchester,  about  twenty-two  miles  distant,  which  took 
us  through  a  portion  of  the  famous  "Bine  Grass1'  region.  At 
about  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  regiment  swung  out  of 
camp  on  what  proved  to  be  a  very  exhausting  march.  The  way 
led  over  a  macadam  road.  It  was  a  warm  day  and  before  the 
first  spurt  was  over  nearly  every  man  had  blistered  feet,  and 
some  of  them  were  raw  and  bleeding.  When  the  colonel  and 
staff  reached  Winchester  there  was  scarcely  a  corporal's  guard  in 
the  column.  The  men  came  straggling  in  all  through  the  night, 
and  some  did  not  reach  camp  until  the  next  morning.  It  was 
cruel  to  push  men  wrho  had  done  no  inarching  for  five  months,  to 
do  in  one  day  what  could  just  as  well  have  been  done  in  two.  It 
was  a  beautiful  country  through  which  the  regiment  marched; 
one  literally  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.  The  men  lived  on  the 
fat  of  the  land  while  here.  These  Kentucky  farmers  were  good 
livers  and  the  cooking  was  excellent.  There  were  some  good 
Union  men  about  here  and  some  secesh.  The  colonel  and  staff 
boarded  with  one  of  the  latter,  who  had  two  sons  in  the  rebel 
army.  He  did  not  say  much  himself  but  fed  his  boarders  roy 
ally. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  as  brigade  officer  of  the  day,  estab 
lished  picket  lines  while  in  camp  here.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw 
evinced  a  soldierly  instinct  as  well  as  interest  in  all  that  apper 
tained  to  the  practical  duties  of  the  service.  He  had  won  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  men  and  officers,  both  as  a  disciplinarian 
and  a  good  friend  of  the  men. 

A  correspondent  of  the  regiment  wrote  from  -Newport  News  to 
the  Providence  Press  concerning  him  as  follows : 

"Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  has  taken  the  boys  by  storm,  and 
even  now,  although  but  a  short  time  with  us,  is  beloved  by  all, 
10 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

and  he  may  well  have  an  honest  pride,  while  we  rejoice  in  the 
fact  that  we  have  about  as  good  a  lieutenant-colonel  as  can  be 
found." 

On  the  afternoon  of  April  17th,  while  the  regiment  was  on  bat 
talion  drill,  the  order  came  to  move  with  three  days'  rations  and 
no  baggage.  Promptly  at  six  p.  M.  the  regiment  had  struck  tents 
and  were  ready  to  move.  This  promptness  secured  it  the  right 
of  the  line,  and,  pursuant  to  orders,  the  column  filed  out  into 
the  road  and  swung  along  the  Boonsboro  pike  en  route  for  Rich 
mond  beyond  the  Kentucky  River,  and,  at  about  8.45  o'clock  p.  MV 
went  into  camp  about  one-half  mile  from  the  river.  The  officers 
and  men  wrapped  themselves  in  their  blankets  and  lay  down  be 
neath  the  warm  April  sky  to  pleasant  dreams  of  home  and  loved 
ones.  At  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  reveille  was  sounded,  and, 
after  roll  call,  fires  were  started,  coffee  was  made,  breakfast 
eaten,  and  the  column  was  reported  ready  to  move.  Here  a  de 
tachment  of  cavalry  and  a  battery  passed  on  the  way  to  cross  the 
river.  At  eleven  A.  M.  the  command  received  orders  to  move  to 
the  river  and  cross  the  ferry  over  to  Boonsboro,  the  scene  of 
Boone's  famous  race  with  the  Indians  and  his  jump  into  the 
river.  The  approach  to  the  river  is  wild  and  picturesque.  The 
river  lay  at  the  foot  of  a  precipitous  wooded  bluff,  which  con 
veyed  the  impression  of  a  mountain  gorge.  The  road  zigzagged 
down  to  the  river's  bank.  The  other  side  was  rolling  land,  the 
ascent  from  the  river  being  quite  slight.  The  crossing  was  slow 
and  tedious,  there  being  but  two  small  scows  to  take  the  men 
and  horses  across.  It  took  two  and  a  half  hours  to  cross.  After 
crossing  the  column  again  formed  and  moved  to  the  Lexington 
and  Richmond  pike,  and  thence  two  miles  towards  Richmond 
and  again  bivouacked  for  the  night.  The  next  morning,  the  18th, 
the  column  again  moved  and  went  into  camp  at  eleven  o'clock 
A.  M.  in  a  beautiful  grove  about  one  and  one-half  miles  from 
Richmond.  The  country  through  which  we  passed  was  a  fine 
farming  land.  The  fields  were  green,  the  peach-trees  were 
putting  forth  their  blossoms,  and  the  weather  June-like.  It  was 
reported  from  headquarters  that  there  was  no  enemy  this  side  of 
Cumberland  Gap.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  was  ordered  to  re 
port  at  headquarters  as  field  officer  of  the  day,  and  was  ordered, 
although  no  enemy  was  present,  to  post  pickets,  which  he  did. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  147 

The  inspector-general  of  the  brigade  commenced  a  tour  of  inspec 
tion  here  and  the  lieutenant-colonel  as  judge  accompanied  him. 
Upon  inspection  of  the  Twelfth  the  inspecting  officer  paid  the 
command  a  high  compliment,  saying :  "If  the  rest  of  the  brigade 
looked  anywhere  near  as  well  as  the  Twelfth,  I  should  be  very 
well  satisfied."  Chaplain  Field,  who  was  left  behind  at  Win 
chester,  ill,  joined  us  at  Richmond  fully  restored  to  health. 

On  May  2d  Colonel  Browne  brought  from  division  headquar 
ters  an  order  from  General  Sturgis  to  move  the  next  morning, 
Sunday,  to  Paint  Lick  Creek,  about  twelve  miles  southwest  from 
Richmond.  It  was  said  that  we  should  soon  get  out  of  this  beau 
tiful  land  into  a  rougher  country. 

General  Nagle  resigned  while  here  by  reason  of  heart  trouble, 
and  Colonel  Griffin,  of  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire,  an  accom 
plished  and  brave  volunteer  officer,  was  appointed  in  his  place. 
The  only  black  mark  set  down  against  him  was  the  forced  march 
he  gave  the  boys  from  Lexington  to  Winchester. 

On  Saturday  evening  at  brigade  dress  parade  about  a  dozen 
ambulances  filled  with  the  representatives  of  Richmond's  four 
hundred  or  less,  were  driven  up  and  alighted  in  front  of  the  color 
line  opposite  the  band  and  witnessed  the  parade.  After  the  pa 
rade  was  dismissed  the  officers  were  summoned  and  introduced 
to  the  ladies,  and  then,  accompanied  by  the  ladies,  all  repaired 
to  the  general's  headquarters,  where  refreshments  were  dis 
pensed.  Invitations  were  extended  by  the  ladies  to  those  so, 
fortunate  as  to  be  introduced,  to  attend  a  hop  in  the  evening  to 
be  given  by  the  ladies  of  Richmond.  It  was  a  very  delightful 
function.  The  officers  made  many  very  pleasant  acquaintances 
and  found  the  ladies  intelligent,  refined,  and  beautiful;  many  of 
them  well  educated,  having  traveled  extensively  in  foreign  lands. 

The  next  morning,  Sunday,  May  3d,  the  command  moved  out 
of  camp  at  about  eight  o'clock  in  a  rainstorm,  and  marched 
through  the  town  receiving  the  good-byes  of  the  lady  acquaint 
ances  of  the  evening  before,  who  had  assembled  at  the  gates  of 
their  homes  to  see  their  soldier  friends  off.  The  rain  consider 
ately  held  up  during  this  very  pleasurable  demonstration.  The 
men,  contrary  to  what  the  people  had  been  led  to  expect  from 
the  Yankee  soldiers,  had  been  so  orderly  and  well-behaved  that 
they  had  won  the  respect  and  confidence  of  the  people,  and  there 


148  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

was  a  general  expression  of  regret  at  their  departure.  The  men 
were  delighted  with  the  country,  and  the  young  officers  were  evi 
dently  in  love  with  the  girls  and  the  older  ones  were  not  un 
moved.  Many  of  them  as  they  marched  away  wore  in  their  lapels 
violets  or  lilies  of  the  valley.  As  the  column  left  the  town  the 
rain  began  to  fall  again  and  continued  to  pour  in  heavy  showers, 
with  intermittent  glimpses  of  sun,  until  the  regiment  reached  its 
destination  about  two  o'clock  p.  M.  As  the  regiment  left  Rich 
mond  the  country  grew  more  rugged  and  heavily  wooded.  The 
scenery  was  picturesque,  with  here  and  there  a  farmhouse  nes 
tled  among  fruit  trees,  and  fine  looking  cattle  feeding  in  the 
meadows;  and,  in  the  background  of  the  picture,  at  a  distance, 
the  Cumberland  range  of  mountains.  The  brigade  was  accom 
panied  by  Durell's  battery  of  Pennsylvania  artillery,  and  a  Ken 
tucky  cavalry  regiment.  A  camp  was  again  established  in  a 
pleasant  spot,  but  endeavors  to  settle  down  to  duty  didn't  seem 
to  succeed  as  usual.  Young  officers,  and  old  married  ones,  had 
a  far-away  look  in  their  eyes,  "sighed  like  a  furnace,"  as  Shake 
speare  has  it,  and  didn't  seem  happy.  The  next  evening  at  dress 
parade  all  the  ladies  in  the  vicinity  came  over  to  see  the  show. 
One  old  married  officer,  it  was  said,  "hitched  on  to  a  sunbonnet 
with  a  pair  of  bright  eyes  and  rosy  lips  underneath  it  and  walked 
over  to  headquarters,  while  another  gay  old  deceiver  attached 
himself  to  a  slick-riding  habit,  and  cavorted  off  in  the  direction 
of  the  inviting  shade  of  a  neighboring  tree."  On  the  following 
morning  the  spirits  of  those  gay  cavaliers  who  had  won  favor  in 
the  eyes  of  Richmond's  fair  daughters  were  greatly  revived  by 
their  appearance  in  camp,  bringing  with  them  loads  of  dainties 
and  substantial  for  a  picnic.  All  had  a  jolly  day  of  it  dancing, 
chatting  and  eating  until  the  declining  sun  admonished  the 
charming  visitors  that  they  must  return.  When  they  started  for 
home  they  accepted  the  escort  of  a  number  of  officers,  who  took 
seats  in  the  carriages,  leading  their  horses  with  which  to  return 
to  camp,  but  who  did  not  return  till  a  late  hour  in  the  evening. 
It  is  related  of  one  graceless  fellow  that,  writing  home  to  his 
confiding  wife  an  account  of  the  affair,  said :  "It  is  quite  pleas 
ant  to  see  a  lady's  face  once  more;  even  my  wife's  would  be  bet 
ter  than  none." 


CAPT.  C.  HENRY  ALEXANDER. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  149 

On  the  6th  and  7th  the  regiment  experienced  the  discomfort 
of  an  old-fashioned  northeast  rainstorm.  It  was  cold  and  un 
comfortable,  and  the  men  cooped  up  in  their  shelter  tents  or  hud 
dling  around  the  cook's  fire  to  keep  warm,  had  many  a  thought 
of  home  and  its  comforts. 

The  Second  Brigade  of  the  division  joined  the  First  Brigade, 
to  which  the  Twelfth  was  attached,  on  the  10th  of  May  at  Paint 
Lick  Creek. 

On  Sunday  morning,  May  the  llth,  orders  were  received  to 
proceed  to  Lancaster,  and  at  eight  o'clock  both  brigades  broke 
camp  and  set  out  for  their  destination,  about  twelve  miles  dis 
tant,  which  they  reached  at  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
and  went  into  camp.  On  the  way  a  dispatch  reached  the  com 
mand  that  General  Dix  had  taken  Richmond  and  that  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  were  floating  over  the  rebel  capital.  The  regiment 
went  into  camp  on  elevated  ground  overlooking  a  picturesque 
country  for  twenty  miles  around.  Soon  after  another  dispatch 
came,  confirming  the  capture  of  Eichmond,  which  news  excited 
demonstrations  of  great  enthusiasm  and  joy. 

Thus  it  was  that  rumors  of  defeats  and  victories  were  fre 
quently  reaching  the  army  in  the  field  to  encourage  or  dispirit 
them  for  the  moment.  Soldiers  learned  at  length  to  place  but 
little  confidence  in  these  rumors  unless  officially  confirmed.  The 
court-martial,  of  which  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  had  been  a 
member  since  the  regiment  reached  Kentucky,  was  dissolved 
at  this  place,  but  almost  immediately  an  order  was  issued 
from  headquarters  appointing  him  on  another.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Shaw  had  served  in  this  capacity  almost  continuously 
since  he  joined  the  regiment  near  Falmouth,  Va.  Colonel 
Browne  suffered  an  attack  of  bilious  fever  at  this  camp,  and 
Major  Dyer  was  laid  up  some  days  by  an  abscess.  Neither  was 
seriously  ill,  and  both  seemed  likely  to  be  out  soon.  The  ra 
tions  had  been,  while  on  the  marches,  mainly  hard-tack  and 
salt  pork,  but  eggs,  chickens  and  turkeys  were  procurable  at 
quite  reasonable  prices  by  those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to 
have  any  greenbacks.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  while  out  with 
the  regiment  at  this  camp  on  battalion  drill,  had  a  very  narrow 
escape  from  a  serious  injury.  He  was  mounted  on  Major  Dyer's 
horse,  his  own  being  lame,  and  had  just  given  a  command  to  the 


150  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

regiment  when  the  horse,  without  any  warning  whatever,  reared, 
turned  slightly  and  fell  over  backward  upon  the  colonel.  For 
tunately  the  horse  twisted  a  little  in  falling  and  the  colonel 
caught  the  weight  of  the  blow  on  his  left  leg  and  arm.  Happily 
no  bones  were  broken,  although  his  leg  and  arm  were  badly  con 
tused,  but  from  which,  with  careful  treatment,  he  recovered  in 
a  few  days.  On  Friday  evening,  the  21st,  orders  were  again  read 
to  move  the  next  morning  at  6.30  o'clock.  Reveille  was  sounded 
at  about  4.30  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and,  at  the  appointed 
time,  the  column  filed  out  of  camp  and  started  on  its  march.  The 
command  halted  within  about  two  miles  of  Crab  Orchard 
Springs  and  thirteen  miles  from  Lancaster,  and  went  into  camp. 

On  the  25th  the  regiment  moved  about  one  mile  beyond  the 
town  to  support  Romer's  New 'York  Battery,  the  Second  Brigade, 
to  which  it  was  attached,  having  moved  on  to  Stanford.  The 
Twelfth  was  now  encamped  at  the  forks  of  the  road  leading  to 
Somerset  and  Mount  Vernon.  The  Seventh  Rhode  Island  were 
just  in  its  rear;  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire  near  our  last  camp  on 
the  other  side  of  the  town,  and  the  Ninth  New  Hampshire  was 
still  at  Lancaster,  having  been  ordered  to  remain  in  consequence 
of  a  smallpox  case,  until  it  could  be  determined  as  to  whether 
other  cases  might  follow.  The  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania  was 
at  Lexington,  where  they  had  been  since  the  corps  arrived  in 
Kentucky. 

Yesterday,  the  26th,  the  Union  forces  drove  back  the  rebels  at 
Mile  Creek,  where  they  attempted  to  cross.  On  the  27th  the 
rebels  were  heard  of  as  far  up  as  Liberty.  The  regiment  was 
then  ordered  to  be  ready  to  go  to  the  support  of  the  Second  Brig 
ade  at  Stanford,  but  the  story  proved  to  be  false,  and  the  order 
was  thereupon  countermanded. 

It  now  began  to  look  as  if  the  Twelfth  might  before  long  have 
an  opportunity  of  paying  its  compliments  to  the  enemy.  Owing, 
however,  to  the  frequent  movements  from  point  to  point,  both 
the  officers  and  men  became  quite  indifferent  as  to  when  or  where 
they  were  ordered  to  go,  and  there  was  little  guessing  as  to  where 
the  command  would  be  ordered  next. 

Major  Dyer,  who  had  been  laid  up  in  the  hospital  at  Lancaster 
in  consequence  of  a  painful  abscess,  resumed  duty  too  soon  on 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  151 

the  march  to  Crab  Orchard.  He  insisted  on  riding  his  horse 
against  the  advice  of  Colonel  Browne,  and,  in  so  doing,  greatly 
aggravated  his  malady.  He  was  incapacitated  to  continue  on 
duty  and  entered  the  hospital,  and  was  finally  sent  on  to  the 
hospital  in  Lexington,  where  he  remained  to  the  end  of  the  regi 
ment's  enlistment,  his  ailment  having  developed  into  a  fistula. 
Colonel  Browne,  when  the  regiment  reached  Crab  Orchard 
had  quite  recovered  from  his  ailment.  On  the  evening  of  the 
24th,  Captain  Longstreet,  of  Company  B,  received  information 
of  the  death  of  his  wife,  which  was  a  terrible  blow  to  him.  This 
news  cast  a  gloom  over  the  entire  regiment,  as  he  was  an  officer 
who  was  very  much  respected  by  both  officers  and  men  and  very 
much  beloved  by  his  company.  Crab  Orchard  Springs  was  for 
merly  a  fashionable  watering-place.  The  waters  of  the  springs 
are  impregnated  with  sulphur,  iron,  and  salt,  and  are  clear  and 
cold. 

The  Fifty-first  New  York  was  detached  here  from  the  Second 
Brigade  of  the  division  and  sent  to  Stanford,  and  the  balance 
moved  their  camp  to  the  other  side  of  the  town.  Whither  the 
regiment  would  next  move  depended  upon  the  movements  of  the 
enemy  on  the  other  side  of  the  Cumberland  Kiver  in  Tennessee. 
Good  news  was  then  coming  from  General  Grant  in  his  siege  of 
Vicksburg,  and  the  question  with  the  command  was  whether  the 
enemy  in  our  front  would  risk  a  raid  into  Kentucky,  or  go  to  the 
assistance  of  Bragg  anticipating  the  fall  of  Vicksburg. 

On  the  30th  of  May  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  went  to  Stan 
ford  to  sit  on  the  court-martial,  and,  on  the  3d  of  June,  while  he 
was  absent,  the  entire  division  under  General  Sturgis  received 
orders  to  move  with  eight  days'  rations  and  with  limited  baggage. 
The  court-martial  was  relieved  on  the  3d,  and  officers  were  noti 
fied  that  the  brigade  at  Crab  Orchard  would  move  the  next  morn 
ing.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  reached  Lancaster  the  next  morn 
ing,  the  4th,  about  nine  o'clock.  Colonel  Browne  came  up  soon  after 
and  reported  the  brigade  resting  about  a  mile  back.  The  entire 
division  had  been  ordered  back  to  Lexington.  The  paymaster 
appeared  at  Lancaster,  much  to  the  relief  as  well  as  delight  of 
officers  and  men,  who  were  getting  pretty  hard-up. 

The  regiment  reached  Camp  Dick  Robinson  that  evening  after 


152  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

a  inarch  of  about  twenty-two  miles,  and  halted  for  the  night. 
The  weather  was  exceedingly  hot  and  the  men  being  in  heavy 
marching  order,  suffered  greatly.  The  next  morning,  the  5th, 
the  command  broke  camp  and  advanced  to  Hickman's  Bridge, 
over  the  Kentucky  River,  and  crossing  moved  on  towards  Mch- 
olasville.  The  heat  was  increasing  and  the  roads  were  very 
dusty.  The  general  found  that  the  men  were  getting  exhausted 
and  could  march  no  longer  and  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  col 
umn.  The  Seventh  Rhode  Island  filed  into  a  lot  where  the  pay 
master  joined  them  and  commenced  to  pay  the  men.  The 
Twelfth  moved  on  a  few  rods  looking  for  a  favorable  place  to 
rest  until  towards  evening,  before  a  further  advance.  It  had 
moved  along  but  a  few  rods  when  an  orderly  rode  up  with  an 
order  for  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  to  return  to  Hickman's 
Bridge.  But  the  men  were  too  fatigued  and  overcome  by  the 
great  heat  to  return  then,  and  filed  into  a  grove  in  rear  of  the 
Seventh  and  pitched  their  tents.  This  order  severed  the  connec 
tion  of  the  Twelfth  with  both  the  brigade  and  division.  Both 
officers  and  men  parted  with  much  regret  from  the  organizations 
in  the  division,  having  made  very  many  pleasant  acquaintances 
with  the  men  composing  them. 

General  Sturgis,  lately  in  command  of  the  division,  was  placed 
in  command  of  the  Department  of  Central  Kentucky,  and,  at 
about  four  p.  M.,  on  the  5th  of  June,  the  Twelfth  was  ordered  to 
report  to  General  Carter  at  Somerset.  The  next  morning  the 
regiment  started  on  a  movement  back  through  Lancaster  to 
Stanford,  and  from  thence  to  Somerset  near  the  Cumberland 
River,  a  distance  of  sixty-three  miles.  The  regiment  had  cov 
ered  thirty-five  miles  during  the  past  two  days,  the  4th  and  5th 
of  June.  The  rest  of  the  division  had  gone,  as  rumor  had  it,  to 
Vicksburg,  which  was  afterwards  verified.  The  Seventh  Rhode 
Island  joined  General  Grant's  army  before  Vicksburg  and  par 
ticipated  in  the  memorable  siege  which  resulted  in  the  surrender 
of  that  stronghold  on  the  following  4th  of  July. 

The  Twelfth  reached  Camp  Dick  Robinson  at  sunset  on  the 
6th  of  June,  and  went  into  camp  for  the  night.  The  heat  was 
excessive  and  the  dust  almost  suffocating  on  the  march  here. 
We  met  Battery  D  here  in  command  of  Capt.  William  B.  Rhodes 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  153 

on  their  way  to  join  the  division  on  its  way  to  Vicksburg,  but  at 
Lexington  it  was  detached  and  ordered  to  return  to  Hickman's 
Bridge. 

The  next  morning,  Sunday,  the  7th,  the  regiment  set  out  on  its 
inarch  and  passed  through  Lancaster  at  about  nine  A.  M.,  and 
reached  Dick  River  about  eleven  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  went  into 
camp  for  the  day.  Moved  the  next  morning  at  five  o'clock  and 
halted  for  dinner  on  the  top  of  the  mountain  in  Hall's  Gap,  in 
tending  to  remain  here  until  three  o'clock  p.  M.  and  then  advance 
about  five  miles  and  go  into  camp  for  the  night.  But  at  about 
two  P.  M.  an  orderly  rode  up  with  a  dispatch,  saying  that  the 
rebels  had  crossed  the  river  and  were  in  force  at  Liberty,  some 
ten  miles  distant,  and  with  orders  for  the  regiment  to  go  for 
ward  to  the  support  of  Crawford's  battery  of  East  Tennessee, 
stationed  at  Waynesboro.  The  men  were  hastily  formed  into 
line  and  moved  out  on  the  march  to  the  above  named  place.  It 
reached  its  destination,  having  covered  a  distance  of  twenty- two 
miles,  and  went  into  camp  near  the  above  mentioned  battery. 
Pickets  were  thrown  out  and  everything  put  in  readiness  to  fall 
in  at  a  moment's  notice. 

On  the  next  morning  of  Tuesday,  the  9th,  the  regiment  moved 
at  about  six  o'clock  with  the  battery  in  advance.  The  command 
halted  for  dinner  at  a  farmhouse  after  a  march  of  about  nine 
miles.  The  houses  in  the  mountain  section  were  rudely  con 
structed  of  logs  and  mud  and  contained  the  most  primitive  fur 
nishings.  The  wTomen  all  chewed  tobacco,  dipped  and  smoked 
pipes,  and  babies  at  every  farmhouse  were  almost  as  abundant 
as  chickens.  The  doctor  relates  that  he  saw  five  persons  riding- 
one  horse;  the  mother,  one  before,  one  behind,  one  at  her  breast, 
and  one  in  embryo.  The  country  where  the  Union  forces  were 
now  operating  was  rugged  and  the  forests  dense  and  of  heavy 
growth.  The  roads  were  corduroy,  which  were  maintained  by 
the  government,  and  over  which  all  supplies  were  hauled  for  the 
army. 

At  three  P.  M.  the  column  moved  again,  and  about  eight  P.  M. 
reached  camp  at  Somerset.  Every  man  answered  roll  call  when 
the  regiment  halted  after  marching  one  hundred  miles  in  six 
days.  The  officers  reported  at  once  to  General  Carter,  telling 


154  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

him  how  far  the  regiment  had  marched.  Captain  Crawford,  a 
West  Pointer  and  in  command  of  the  East  Tennessee  battery 
which  the  Twelfth  had  been  ordered  to  support,  paid  the  regi 
ment  a  very  flattering  compliment  by  adding,  "Yes,  and  better 
marching  I  never  saw,  they  keep  all  together,  no  straggling." 
The  regiment  was  moved  the  next  morning  to  the  other  side  of 
the  town,  where  a  camp  was  established.  The  report  of  the  reb 
els  at  Liberty  proved  to  be  an  exaggeration.  The  rebels,  how 
ever,  wTere  active  in  this  section  and  some  fighting  was  going  on 
every  day.  Yesterday,  the  9th,  the  Union  forces  drove  their 
pickets  eight  miles  beyond  Monticello.  The  men  were  in  good 
health,  not  a  sick  man  in  the  command,  but  many  were  very  foot 
sore. 

On  the  18th  of  June  the  regiment  received  marching  orders 
with  ten  days'  rations,  and  to  be  ready  to  move  the  next  morning, 
the  19th,  but  not  to  strike  tents  till  further  notice.  Weather 
was  extremely  hot,  but  relief  came  in  a  thunderstorm.  The  reb 
els  were  in  front  of  us  and  it  looked  as  though  we  were  now  go 
ing  to  have  some  hot  work. 

On  the  20th,  at  eleven  o'clock  A.  M.,  received  orders  to  move 
to  Stigalls  Ferry,  on  the  Cumberland  River,  six  miles  distant. 
Several  commands  had  gone  that  way  early  in  the  day  and  were 
last  heard  from  beyond  Monticello.  We  were  now  receiving  con 
flicting  rumors  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy.  Received  orders 
here  at  Stigalls  Ferry  at  about  nine  o'clock  A.  M.,  June  21st,  or 
dering  return  of  regiment  to  Somerset.  At  10.30  o'clock  A.  M. 
the  regiment  was  moving  towards  its  destination,  arriving  at 
1.30  P.  M.  At  3.30  P.  M.  the  regiment  was  moving  towards  James 
town,  whither  it  had  been  ordered,  thirty-five  miles  distant.  A 
battalion  of  the  Thirty-second  Kentucky  Infantry  was  placed 
under  command  of  Colonel  Browne,  which  accompanied  the  regi 
ment.  The  command  reached  Jamestown  about  noon  of  June 
24th  and  camped  near  the  town.  A  cold  northeast  rainstorm 
overtook  the  regiment  here.  Aside  from  the  discomfort  of  the 
heavy  rain,  which  continued  for  about  ten  days,  the  temperature 
was  quite  refreshing  after  the  past  two  weeks  and  more  of  in 
tense  heat.  The  march  from  Somerset  to  Jamestown  was 
through  the  woods,  with  here  and  there  a  clearing  and  a  roughly 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  155 

built  log  hut,  generally  containing  but  one  room,  which  served  as 
bedroom,  living  room,  and  kitchen,  for  families  of  man  and  wife 
and  half  a  dozen  or  more  children.  Razor-backed,  sharp-snouted 
pigs  ran  wild  in  the  woods.  Big  snakes  ran  across  the  road,  now 
and  then,  as  the  column  marched  along.  Many  of  them  were 
killed  by  the  men,  and  among  them  was  one  rattlesnake  about 
four  feet  in  length  and  having  fourteen  rattles.  The  natives, 
when  asked  concerning  the  state  of  the  roads  further  on,  would 
invariably  say:  "Right  smart  good  roads  for  wagons."  Such 
abominable  roads  man  never  saw.  They  were  well-nigh  im 
passable  on  horseback.  Sometimes  the  officers  had  to  dismount 
and  lead  their  horses  down  or  up  the  steep  inclines,  as  a  misstep 
would  have  thrown  them  down  precipices  two  hundred  feet  deep. 
The  pioneer  corps  preceded  the  teams  and  did  what  they  could 
to  help  them  along.  The  quartermaster  of  the  regiment,  on  be 
ing  asked  afterwards  how  he  got  along,  said :  "Oh,  I  borroAved 
a  ladder  for  the  mules  to  climb  up  on,  and  they  pulled  the  wag 
ons  up  after  them."  The  wagons  were  overturned  a  number  of 
times  and  were  several  times  unloaded  and  the  freight  was  car 
ried  by  the  men  to  the  tops  of  the  hills  and  loaded  again.  The 
boys  got  quite  used  to  this  rough  experience.  Yesterday,  Mon 
day,  the  23d,  the  men  having  marched  twenty  miles  were  heard 
to  say  as  they  went  into  camp,  that  they  hadn't  got  much  to  do 
to-morrow,  only  ten  miles  more.  They  called  this  campaign, 
"The  expedition  for  the  survey  of  Kentucky." 

The  end  of  the  term  of  enlistment  was  now  fast  approaching, 
and  the  regiment  was  a  hundred  miles  away  from  any  railroad 
over  which  it  could  be  transported  on  its  way  home.  The  latest 
joke  among  the  men  was  that  "Burnside,  having  lost  the  run  of 
the  Twelfth  in  its  wanderings  up  and  down  the  state,  had  sent 
out  a  dozen  mounted  scouts  to  hunt  them  up,  but  that  the  trot 
ters  had  four  days  the  start  and  the  scouts  could  not  catch  up." 

The  rainstorm  continued  until  the  morning  of  the  28th  of  June, 
when  it  cleared  up  again.  The  little  army  was  this  morning  re- 
enforced  by  Colonel  Wolford's  regiment,  the  First  Kentucky  Cav 
alry,  so  that  the  men  felt  quite  equal  to  any  emergency  that 
might  arise.  Without  cavalry  Morgan's  guerillas  could  raid 
all  round  the  command,  and  nothing  could  be  done  unless  they 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

made  a  direct  attack.  Now  our  troops  were  all  right  for  attack 
or  defence.  The  rivers  and  creeks  were  so  swollen  from  the  re 
cent  heavy  rains,  that  they  were  quite  impassable;  but  in  a  few 
days  they  were  again  in  normal  condition  for  the  passage  of 
troops  at  the  fords. 

Wolford's  cavalry  was  a  unique  body  of  men,  characteristic  of 
this  Western  country,  bold,  independent,  and  intrepid,  and  hav 
ing  so  little  regard  for  the  regulation  tactics,  that  a  few  com 
mands  of  their  own  invention  answered  every  purpose  in  the 
nature  of  their  service  in  this  border  warfare.  They  were  ubi 
quitous  in  their  movements  and  ever  on  the  alert.  Many  anec 
dotes  were  current  of  their  eccentricities,  enterprise,  and  cour 
age.  They  knew  every  road,  mountain  trail,  and  path  in  the 
country.  They  would  go  home  when  they  liked,  but  were  al 
ways  around  when  there  was  a  fight.  It  was  said  that  Colonel 
Wolford,  being  in  Washington,  met  two  of  his  men  on  the  street 
and  said,  "Hello,  boys!  what  are  you  doing  here?"  To  which 
they  replied,  "Out  on  a  bit  of  a  scout,  colonel."  The  colonel  had 
but  two  commands  in  manoeuvering  his  regiment,  namely: 
"Scatter  out  and  huddle  up !"  and  "Go  up  there,  boys,  and  clean 
them  out!'7  "And,"  as  they  say,  "the  rebels  have  to  get  up  and 
git." 

Colonel  Wolford,  commander  of  the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry, 
was  a  man  of  unique  individuality,  but  a  natural  product  of  the 
characteristic  social  conditions  of  the  rural  sections  of  the 
state  in  which  he  was  born  and  reared.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw 
thus  describes  Colonel  Wolford  in  a  letter  to  his  wife  from  James 
town  :  "Colonel  Wolford,  of  the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry,  shares  my 
bed  at  the  hotel.  He  is  quite  a  stout  man ;  wears  one  of  his  shoulder 
straps  upside  down.  He  sits  here  on  the  bed  spitting  on  the 
carpet  in  Western  style.  He  is  an  able  lawyer  and  a  very  smart 
man.  He  don't  believe  in  red  tape,  and  won't  submit  to  it.  He 
never  drinks  a  drop.  It  is  said  of  him  that  he  used  to  drive  up 
to  the  Court  House  in  an  ox  team,  go  in  before  the  court  and 
argue  a  difficult  case,  and  when  the  hearing  was  concluded  get 
on  his  team  and  drive  home.  He  is  also  an  entertaining  man 
and  possessed  of  much  humor." 

The  force  at  this  place  was  further  re  enforced  on  the  after- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  157 

noon  of  the  28th  by  the  arrival  of  the  Second  Ohio  Cavalry,  the 
Seventh  Ohio  Infantry  and  a  light  battery.  These  furnished  us 
troops  sufficient  to  clean  out  any  rebel  force  in  this  country. 

On  the  29th  the  mail  containing  letters  of  the  men  was  cap 
tured  by  the  rebels.  On  that  day,  about  four  p.  M.,  the  rebels 
made  a  demonstration  on  the  Columbia  road,  about  two  and  a 
half  miles  from  camp.  The  rebels  were  in  force  at  Berksville, 
Creelsborough  and  Columbia  about  five  thousand  strong.  Lieu 
tenant  Colonel  Shaw  was  talking  with  Colonel  Wolford  on  the 
tavern  steps,  when  one  of  the  outer  pickets  dashed  up  saying, 
"Our  pickets  have  been  attacked  and  want  re-enforcements/'  and 
that  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  the  Columbia  road  two  and  a 
half  miles  distant.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw  hastened  to  camp 
and  reported  to  Colonel  Browne.  The  long  roll  was  sounded,  and 
in  five  minutes  the  men  were  in  line  ready  to  move.  The  cavalry 
seemed  to  rise  up  from  every  bush  and  the  artillery  was  thunder 
ing  along  the  road  towards  the  enemy.  The  men  of  the  Twelfth 
were  in  high  spirits ;  even  the  sick  ones  seized  their  guns  and  fell 
into  the  ranks.  But  two  men  of  the  entire  regiment  were  absent. 

The  attacking  force  did  not  prove  to  be  large  and  Captain  Wol 
ford,  a  brother  of  the  colonel,  met  them  and  captured  six  or 
seven,  killed  one  and  routed  the  rest.  Colonel  Wolford  expected 
the  entire  rebel  force  would  move  down  upon  us  over  several 
roads.  The  regiment  was  under  arms  for  three  or  four  hours, 
until  the  affair  quieted  down,  and  then  broke  ranks  and  turned 
in  for  the  night.  Had  the  rebels  made  an  attack  upon  us  before 
Wolford's  cavalry  arrived,  the  boys  might  now  have  suffered  the 
misfortune  of  frogging  it  down  in  Dixie. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  regiment  at  Jamestown,  being 
short  of  rations,  the  quartermaster  started  for  Columbia  with  a 
wagon  train  for  supplies,  but,  on  arriving  there,  found  none  and 
crossed  Green  River  and  went  on  to  Lebanon,  where  he  obtained 
them  and  started  back.  He  recrossed  the  river,  and,  when  within 
four  miles  of  Columbia,  he  heard  that  there  was  a  rebel  force 
there  and  immediately  turned  the  train  round  and  recrossed  the 
river.  The  next  morning  the  bridge  over  the  river  was  for 
tunately  carried  away,  which  insured  his  immediate  safety. 
When  the  quartermaster  left  camp  with  his  wagon  train  it  rained 


158  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

and  continued  to  rain  for  seven  days  and  nights,  so  that  the 
streams  became  badly  swollen.  Constant  skirmishing  was  going 
on  between  the  Union  cavalry  and  the  enemy.  A  guard  was 
sent  to  the  quartermaster  with  orders  for  him  to  come  in  by  way 
of  Neatsville. 

On  the  3d  the  pickets  were  fired  upon  by  a  small  force  of  reb 
els  which  went  off  towards  Neatsville.  Soon  after  a  dispatch 
was  received  from  the  supply  train  saying:  "Attacked  by  a  su 
perior  force,  send  re-enforcements."  Two  hundred  men  of  Wol- 
ford's  cavalry  were  dispatched  at  once,  one  hundred  to  Neats- 
ville,  and  one  hundred  to  Columbia.  The  force  sent  to  Columbia 
was  attacked  by  superior  numbers  and  had  a  captain  mortally 
wounded  and  one  other  man  badly  wounded,  but  managed  to 
hold  its  ground.  Several  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  some 
prisoners  were  taken.  The  guard  of  twenty-eight  men  with  the 
train,  whipped  sixty-five  rebs,  took  several  prisoners  and  wounded 
two.  The  train  got  into  camp  all  right  last  night,  July  3d. 

This  morning,  the  4th,  the  cavalry  sent  to  Columbia  returned. 
Two  brigades  of  the  enemy  have  passed  through  that  place  to 
Lebanon.  They  numbered  between  three  and  four  thousand 
men.  The  enemy's  command  were  all  cavalry,  and  there  was  lit 
tle  that  infantry  could  do,  except  in  case  of  an  attack.  As  they 
moved  rapidly  from  point  to  point,  unless  there  was  cavalry  in 
•sufficient  numbers  to  hold  them  in  check  or  drive  them  back  across 
the  Cumberland  River,  there  was  danger  of  their  raiding  the  rich 
blue  grass  country,  and  even  of  extending  their  raid  across  the 
Ohio  and  capturing  Cincinnati.  In  fact,  the  people  in  those  sec 
tions  were  much  disturbed  as  Lee's  army,  which  was  already 
fighting  the  great  battle  of  the  war  on  Pennsylvania  soil,  had 
lately  been  marching  through  the  fertile  fields  of  that  state  to 
the  great  concern,  if  not  terror,  of  the  country  and  of  the  gov 
ernment  at  Washington.  Orders  for  our  return  home  had  been 
received  some  days  before,  but  the  situation  of  affairs  was  such 
that  the  order  had  been  countermanded.  It  had  been  intended 
to  celebrate  the  4th  of  July  at  Jamestown,  but,  at  an  early  hour 
on  the  morning  of  that  day,  Captain  Spink,  of  Company  I,  ap 
peared  at  headquarters  and  reported  that  Colonel  Wolford  had 
just  informed  him  that  Morgan  was  crossing  at  Creelsborough, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  159 

Creassy  Creek  and  Columbia.  The  lieutenant-colonel  being  in 
command  in  consequence  of  the  illness  of  Colonel  Browne,  who 
was  confined  to  his  tent  from  an  attack  of  dysentery,  immedi 
ately  took  steps  to  be  in  readiness  for  an  order  to  move,  by  call 
ing  the  captains  together  for  the  purpose  of  notifying  them  of 
the  situation,  and  to  direct  them  to  arouse  the  cooks  and  cause 
coffee  to  be  prepared  for  the  men,  and  then  get  them  up  as  speed 
ily  as  possible,  so  that  they  might  go  into  action  with  full  stom 
achs.  As  it  is  said  that  the  way  to  a  man's  best  nature  is 
through  his  stomach,  so  it  may  be  said  that  the  best  stimulant  to 
a  soldier's  fighting  qualities  is  through  a  well-filled  one. 

Before,  however,  the  captains  could  be  assembled,  four  artil 
lery  shots  suddenly  burst  forth  in  quick  succession  near  the 
camp,  breaking  upon  our  startled  senses  in  the  stillness  of  the 
early  morning  like  crashes  of  thunder. 

The  order  of:  "Fall  in!"  was  hurriedly  given  in  the  certain 
belief  that  the  enemy  was  upon  us.  Almost  instantly  the  men 
sprang  into  line,  many  turning  out  of  sick  beds,  but,  almost  in 
the  same  breath,  it  was  discovered,  to  the  infinite  disgust  of  offi 
cers  and  men,  that  our  comrades  of  the  First  Kentucky  Cavalry 
were  firing  a  Fourth  of  July  salute. 

In  the  meantime  Colonel  Wolford  had  learned,  through  his 
scout,  that  Morgan  had  gone  around  us.  He  therefore  with  all 
speed  started  after  him,  after  having  directed  the  infantry  of 
his  command  (the  Twelfth  Ilhode  Island  and  Thirty-second  Ken 
tucky)  to  remain  until  further  orders,  saying:  "It  is  useless 
for  infantry  to  chase  cavalry." 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  return 
to  Somerset,  and  immediately  struck  camp  and  moved  at  9.30 
o'clock  A.  M.  The  day  was  excessively  hot,  with  a  violent  thun 
derstorm  in  the  afternoon.  The  regiment  halted  at  about  eight 
o'clock  in  the  evening  for  the  night.  It  had  rained  in  torrents 
and  left  the  road  in  bad  condition.  The  wagon  train  was  far  back 
in  the  rear.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  accompanied  by  the  boss 
teamer,  rode  back  to  find  them.  It  was  so  dark  that  they  could 
not  see  the  horses  they  rode.  The  teamer  announced,  as  they 
were  groping  along  in  this  impenetrable  darkness,  that  he  smelled 
rattlesnakes.  It  was  not  an  assuring  announcement  in  view  of 


160  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

the  imminent  possibility  at  least,  of  being  thrown  from  the 
horses  among  a  large  assortment  of  these  venomous  reptiles. 
The  teams  were  at  length  found  about  seven  miles  in  the  rear, 
stuck  in  the  mud  up  to  the  hubs  of  the  wheels.  No  guard  could 
be  found.  A  company  of  the  Thirty-second  Kentucky  Infantry 
had  been  detailed  as  guard  and  when  found  later  were  all  fast 
asleep.  It  was  now  eleven  o'clock  in  the  evening  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Shaw  crawled  into  one  of  the  teams  and  went  to  sleep.  He 
remained  there  until  about  three  in  the  morning,  and  then  routed 
the  men  out,  got  them  started,  and  then  returned  to  the  regi 
ment,  which  moved  at  nine  o'clock  that  morning.  It  halted  for 
dinner  at  eleven  and  waited  for  the  wagon  train  to  come  up.  The 
regiment  had  twenty- two  rebel  prisoners,  among  them  one  Cap 
tain  Morgan  reported  captured  at  Green  River. 

The  regiment  started  the  next  morning,  the  6th,  and  reached 
Fishing  Creek  at  about  one  o'clock  p.  M.,  four  miles  from  Somer 
set,  where  it  arrived  at  about  five  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Col 
onel  Browne  had  gone  on  ahead  of  the  column,  and,  on  its  ar 
rival,  formed  it  on  the  old  camp-ground  and  announced  to  the 
men  the  glorious  news  of  the  surrender  to  Grant  of  Vicksburg, 
the  defeat  of  Lee  at  Gettysburg,  and  the  defeat  of  Morgan  in  all 
his  attempts  to  raid  Kentucky  and  his  probable  capture  before 
he  could  get  out  of  the  state.  This  news,  with  the  further  in 
formation  that  the  regiment  was  to  start  for  home  on  the  day  af 
ter  to-morrow,  evoked  cheer  after  cheer,  which  made  the  old 
woods  ring. 

The  next  day  was  spent  in  clearing  up  and  getting  the  teams 
ready  for  the  homeward  march. 

At  about  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  8th  of  July,  the 
regiment  moved  from  Somerset  on  its  march  to  Nicholasville,  ad 
vanced  about  five  miles  and  went  into  camp  for  the  night.  The 
next  morning  it  started  at  five  o'clock  and  marched  twenty-three 
miles  to  Crab  Orchard  and  camped  on  the  old  ground  recently 
occupied  by  the  Seventh  Rhode  Island.  The  next  morning  it  ad 
vanced  to  one  mile  beyond  Stanford,  and  there  placed  the  men 
on  an  empty  wagon  train  of  sixty-three  teams  returning  to  Hick- 
man's  Bridge,  which  brought  them  through  to  Dick  River,  where 
the  regiment  went  into  camp  for  the  night.  That  night  at  about 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  161 

ten  o'clock,  a  dispatch  reached  the  regiment  from  Lancaster  that 
the  rebels  were  at  Crab  Orchard  in  force.  The  command  had  re 
ceived,  during  the  past  months,  so  many  false  reports  of  the  pres 
ence  of  the  enemy,  that  this  information  made  but  little  impres 
sion,  although  pickets  were  thrown  out,  after  which  the  men  and 
officers  not  on  duty,  turned  in  and  slept  peacefully,  dreaming 
only  of  home  and  dear  ones,  by  whom  they  were  soon  to  be 
greeted. 

The  regiment  on  the  next  morning  again  broke  camp  and 
started  off,  the  men  jubilant  that  this  was  the  last  march  in  the 
heat  and  dust  of  "way  down  in  Old  Kentucky." 

Nicholasville,  the  railroad  terminus  where  the  men  were  to  take 
the  cars  for  Cincinnati,  was  but  five  miles  away.  This  distance 
was  soon  covered.  Although  weary,  dust-laden  and  foot-sore,  all 
was  forgotten  as  the  officers  and  men  entered  the  cars  and  sped 
"on  their  way.  Reaching  Lexington  there  was  a  wait  of  an  hour 
or  two  to  load  the  baggage,  which  had  been  left  here  to  await  our 
return.  The  train  then  proceeded  to  Covington,  arriving  at 
eleven  o'clock  p.  M.  The  train  was  held  up  about  one  mile  from 
town,  and  the  regiment  was  detained  there  till  morning,  when  it 
ran  into  the  station,  where  the  men  alighted,  crossed  the  river 
to  Cincinnati,  and  marched  up  to  the  Fifth  Street  market,  where 
they  stacked  arms  and  waited  till  noon  for  breakfast. 

The  citizens  were  in  a  great  state  of  excitement,  in  fact,  to  use 
a  common  expression,  "scared  to  death."  To  men  who  had  been 
racing  up  and  down  the  state  for  the  past  three  months  trying 
to  have  a  brush  with  the  enemy,  this  excitement  and  fear  seemed 
rather  laughable  than  serious.  Martial  law  had,  however,  been 
declared,  and,  in  consideration  of  the  excitement  induced  by  a 
threatened  raid  of  Morgan  and  his  men,  General  Burnside  re 
quested  the  regiment  to  remain  for  a  few  days  until  the  excited 
condition  of  the  public  mind  should  quiet  down.  To  this  request 
the  regiment,  as  a  whole,  willingly  acceded.  Only  a  few  at 
tempted  to  make  any  trouble,  but  after  they  slept  on  it  there  was 
no  more  kicking.  The  regiment  was  taken  into  camp  on  the  edge 
of  the  town,  in  a  suburb  that  was  called  Mount  Auburn. 

The  officers  and  men  were  at  once  made  the  lions  of  the  day. 
Invitations  to  dinners,  to  teas  and  to  receptions,  came  in  such 
11 


162  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

volume  that  it  was  quite  impossible  to  accept  or  attend  them 
all.  The  regiment  held  the  keys  and  the  freedom  of  the  city. 
The  best  citizens  of  the  town  threw  their  doors  wide  open  and 
dispensed  the  most  generous  hospitality.  "Rhode  Island"  was 
the  countersign  that  admitted  them  wherever  they  wanted  to  go 
or  to  whatever  they  wanted. 

At  about  eleven  o'clock  of  the  evening  of  the  16th  of  July, 
an  order  was  received  from  General  Burnside  to  be  ready  to 
move  at  a  moment's  notice,  as  a  part  of  Morgan's  forces  had  got 
separated  from  his  main  body,  and  the  Twelfth  might  be  needed 
to  head  them  off.  The  regiment,  however,  was  not  called  upon. 
The  scare  was  now  practically  over,  and  the  regiment  being  no 
longer  needed,  it  took  its  departure  amid  demonstrations  of 
good-will  from  the  populace  who  gathered  on  the  streets  to  see 
it  off  on  its  way  to  the  shores  of  loved  Narragansett,  to  home 
and  dear  ones. 


LIEUT.  DANIEL  R.  BALLOU. 
(From  a  recent  piojure.) 


IY.SW© 


REMINISCENCES    OF    THE    TWELFTH    RHODE   ISLAND 

VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY  FROM   ITS   ORGANIZATION 

TO  THE  RECROSSING  OF  THE  RAPPAHANNOCK 

AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG. 

READ  AT  THE  REUNION  OF  THE  REGIMENT  AUG.  1,  1893. 
BY  COL.  DANIEL  R.  BALLOU. 


ON  the  2d  of  July,  1862,  after  the  disastrous  campaign  of  Gen 
eral  McClellan  on  the  Peninsula,  President  Lincoln  issued  a  call 
for  three  hundred  thousand  men  to  serve  for  a  period  of  nine 
months. 

The  Twelfth,  together  with  the  Eleventh  Khode  Island  Volun 
teers,  were  recruited  within  the  following  sixty  days,  during  the 
unfortunate  campaign  of  General  Pope,  in  Northern  Virginia, 
which  resulted  in  the  invasion  of  Maryland  by  the  Confederates 
under  General  Lee  and  a  threatened  attack  upon  the  National 
Capitol.  This  was  one  of  the  darkest  periods  of  the  Kebellion. 
The  wave  of  intense  patriotism  which  had  swept  over  the  country 
in  the  earlier  days  of  the  war,  rallying  thousands  to  the  defence 
of  their  country,  had  greatly  subsided,  and  now  the  stern  and 
cruel  realities  of  dreadful  war  confronted  the  people.  The 
theatre  of  military  operations  had  also  greatly  broadened,  and 
the  losses  in  the  great  battles  of  the  Peninsula,  and  around 
Washington,  had  been  frightful.  The  demand,  therefore,  taking 
into  account  the  aggressive  movements  of  the  rebels,  was  urgent 
for  more  men  to  increase  the  fighting  strength  of  the  Union 
armies.  It  was  under  these  peculiar  and  trying  circumstances 
that  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Volunteers  was  re 
cruited.  This  regiment  had  an  eventful  experience.  It  was  kept 


164  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

at  the  front  during  nearly  its  entire  term  of  service,  and  was 
almost  constantly  on  the  move,  thus  earning  the  unique  sobriquet 
of  the  "Trotting  Twelfth." 

The  regiment  before  it  had  been  fairly  instructed  in  company 
drill,  was  sent  into  action  where  veterans  might  well  have  hesi 
tated  to  go.  Nobly  did  it  attest  its  patriotism  and  valor  on  the 
bloody  and  shot-torn  approaches  to  the  bristling  heights  above 
Fredericksburg,  where  it  left  one  hundred  and  nine  of  its  heroic 
members  either  dead  or  wounded.  Its  survivors  are  justly  proud 
of  its  history,  although  upon  its  pages  are  recorded  the  story  of 
its  valor  upon  but  a  single  battlefield,  and  although  upon  the 
folds  of  its  war-stained  colors  is  inscribed  only  the  name  of 
"Fredericksburg."  It  was  through  this  terrible  baptism  of  fire 
and  crashing  shot  that  its  members  inherited  the  right  to  be 
known  as  "veterans."  Before  returning,  after  the  expiration  of 
the  regiment's  term  of  service,  General  Burnside,  commanding 
the  Department  of  the  Ohio,  issued  the  following  complimentary 
order,  which  affirms  their  claim  to  the  proud  title  of  veterans: 

"On  the  departure  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers  at 
the  expiration  of  their  term  of  enlistment,  the  commanding  gen 
eral  wishes  to  express  his  regret  at  taking  leave  of  soldiers  who, 
in  their  brief  service,  have  become  veterans.  After  passing 
through  experiences  of  great  hardship  and  danger,  they  will  re 
turn  with  the  proud  satisfaction  that  in  the  ranks  of  their  coun 
try's  defenders  the  reputation  of  their  State  has  not  suffered  at 
their  hands." 

The  Twelfth  was  in  many  respects  a  unique  regiment.  It  was 
recruited  mainly  from  among  the  rural  districts  of  the  State. 
It  was  composed  largely  of  farmers  and  mechanics,  with  a  large 
sprinkling  of  men  of  mature  years. 

To  very  many  of  us  who  had  never  been  out  into  the  great 
world  beyond  the  narrow  boundaries  of  our  little  State,  and 
whose  excursions  had  been  limited  to  an  occasional  visit  to  Provi 
dence,  to  take  our  best  girl  to  the  circus,  or  to  Newport,  to  eat 
blue  eggs  and  drink  egg-nog  on  the  traditional  "Lection"  day, 
the  seat  of  war  was  to  our  inexperienced  knowledge  of  the  world, 
an  unexplored  country.  To  many  of  us  the  question  of  whether 
we  would  enlist  in  the  service  of  our  country  and  enter  into  the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  165 

perils  and  dangers  incident  to  a  state  of  war,  was  one  of  solemn 
import,  and  one  which  was  decided  only  after  most  serious  and 
weighty  consideration.  We  discussed  it  with  our  kindred  and 
associates  in  the  light  of  patriotism  and  duty,  and  finally  placed 
our  names  on  the  enlistment  rolls  with  the  strange  yet  proud 
feeling  that  now  we  belonged  to  our  country,  and  that  our  lives 
were  henceforth,  if  need  be,  at  its  disposal.  I  enlisted  in  Bur- 
rillville  where  my  father  then  resided,  and  the  same  roll  bears 
the  names  of  the  chivalrous  Lieut.  Stephen  M.  Hopkins,  who  fell 
mortally  wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  and  of  Capt.  Oscar  Lap- 
ham,  who  has  since  risen  to  distinction  in  public  life. 

The  first  instructions  my  company  received  in  the  school  of  the 
soldier  was  by  the  late  lamented  Capt.  James  Allen,  of  Company 
C.  His  trials  must  have  been  great,  for  a  more  awkward  squad 
has  rarely  been  mustered  than  this  company  of  country  bump 
kins,  who  had  no  more  idea  of  the  discipline  necessary  for  a  sol 
dier  than  the  unbroken  colts  that  sniffed  the  free  air  of  their  na 
tive  green  hills.  But  they  were  willing  learners  and  soon  mas 
tered  the  rudimentary  company  movements.  A  few  weeks  of 
drill  and  then  we  were  transferred  to  Camp  Stevens,  on  Dexter 
Training  Ground,  where  we  were  for  the  first  time  brought  under 
the  restraints  of  military  discipline.  We  camped  the  first  night 
in  an  old  lumber  shed  facing  the  northerly  side  of  the  Training 
Field  with  the  hard  floor  for  our  bed.  We  experienced  many 
nights  afterwards  when  we  looked  back  to  this  night's  lodging 
as  comfortable  if  not  luxurious.  There  wasn't  much  sleeping 
that  night.  The  more  thoughtless  ones  turned  night  into  day 
with  jesting  and  hilarious  fun,  while  the  more  thoughtful  ones 
yielded  their  minds  to  sober  reflections.  The  next  day,  or  the 
one  after  that,  the  company  was  assigned  to  tent  quarters  in  the 
camp,  and  was  thereafter  designated  as  Company  K,  with  Lieu 
tenant  Fales,  of  Newport,  in  command.  I  recall  Lieutenant 
Fales  as  a  clean-cut  soldierly  appearing  fellow,  a  little  stiff  and 
reserved  to  our  unmilitary  eyes,  but  an  efficient  and  intelligent 
officer.  The  day  came  for  exchanging  our  civilian  dress  for  the 
uniform  of  Uncle  Sam.  I  well  remember  after  the  exchange  we 
were  ordered  into  line,  I  think  for  inspection,  and  I  was  found 
still  clad  in  civilian  trousers.  A  man,  also  in  civilian's  dress, 


166  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

reprimanded  me  with  considerable  severity  for  my  breach  of  dis 
cipline.  I  was  very  indignant  at  the  time,  that  he  should,  with 
out  being  in  uniform  himself,  take  such  liberties,  but  I  smothered 
my  resentment,  and,  contrary  to  my  custom  on  occasions  of  per 
sonal  criticism,  wisely  refrained  from  making  any  remarks.  On 
being  relieved  from  duty,  however,  I  made  becoming  haste  to 
substitute  the  conventional  blue  for  the  old  friends  that  served 
as  the  only  remaining  link  between  the  old  life  and  the  new.  A 
few  weeks  in  camp  to  familiarize  the  men  with  the  duties  and 
discipline  of  the  soldier,  and  then  late  in  October  the  order  came 
to  break  camp  and  move  to  the  front.  Then  there  were  sad  and 
affectionate  partings  with  dear  ones;  the  final  handshakes  with 
kindred  and  friends;  a  great  heart-throb,  then  eyes  were  turned 
resolutely  to  the  front,  and  away  we  marched  from  home  and 
native  State  to  throw  ourselves  into  the  flaming  vortex  of  dread 
ful  war. 

I  shall  never  forget  the  varied  and  multifarious  contents  of 
that  knapsack  which  I  bore  away  upon  my  shoulders,  bending 
under  its  great  weight  as  did  the  ancient  Atlas,  bearing  the  round 
earth  upon  his  back.  If  the  fair  Southland,  whose  sunlit  plains, 
whose  picturesque  valleys,  and  whose  blossoming  hillsides  have 
been  torn  and  rent  by  the  iron  heel  of  destructive  war,  could 
yield  their  vast  stores  of  merchandise  dropped  by  reluctant 
hands  from  the  overburdened  shoulders  of  the  Union  soldiers  as 
they  swept  back  and  forth  over  them,  they  would  furnish  a 
boundless  if  not  an  interesting  exhibit  for  a  world's  fair. 

One  by  one  with  painful  heart  twinges,  I  let  go  of  my  treas 
ured  store  in  the  transforming  experiences  of  the  exhausting 
march,  and  they  were  swallowed  up  in  the  great  maw  of  the  hun 
gry  earth.  Haversacks  groaned  with  the  rich  dainties  which 
loving  hands  had  prepared,  and  were  eaten  with  moistened  eyes 
as  we  sped  onward  toward  the  mighty  hosts  battling  for  a  na 
tion's  life. 

As  we  approached  Baltimore,  our  eyes  were  greeted  by  the 
first  evidences  of  the  great  struggle  which  was  convulsing  the 
civilized  world.  Squads  of  bluecoats  were  bivouacked  at  fre 
quent  intervals  along  the  line  of  the  railroad  over  which  we  were 
passing,  apprising  us  that  we  were  in  an  unfriendly  country. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  167 

We  reached  Baltimore  in  the  evening  and  camped  on  the  floor 
of  the  station.  We  arose  the  next  morning,  and,  after  an  elabo 
rate  toilet,  which  consisted  of  rubbing  our  eyes  and  running  our 
fingers  through  our  hair, — there  were  no  bald  heads  in  those 
days — we  partook  of  a  bountiful  breakfast  which  had  been  gen 
erously  provided  for  us,  and  then  fell  into  line.  The  colonel  en 
joined  us  to  be  upon  our  good  behavior,  .  .  .  informing  us 
that  he  was  going  to  march  us  through  the  aristocratic  quarters 
of  the  town  and  around  Monument  Square.  Beautiful  women 
peered  disdainfully  at  us  from  behind  richly-curtained  windows, 
but  no  other  indignities  were  offered  us  as  we  stepped  proudly 
along  to  the  tap  of  the  drum.  We  reached  Washington  late  in 
the  afternoon  and  camped  for  the  night  beneath  the  shadow  of 
the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  near  a  spot  which  had  been  occu 
pied  by  workmen  in  preparing  the  marble  for  its  construction. 
With  what  wonder  and  reverent  admiration  my  young  eyes  gazed 
upon  this  magnificent  structure,  in  whose  grand  proportions  is 
typified  the  majesty,  the  dignity,  and  the  power  of  the  nation, 
whose  life  our  comrades,  almost  in  sight  of  its  majestic  dome, 
were  bravely  fighting  to  preserve.  I  wandered,  with  a  feeling  of 
mingled  awe  and  admiration,  through  its  magnificent  halls  and 
impo  ing  corridors.  I  stood  upon  its  classic  portico,  where  Ab 
raham  Lincoln  stood  and  took  the  oath  of  his  exalted  office.  My 
spirit  bent  low  at  the  recollection  of  the  other  grand  men  who 
had  within  these  lordly  walls  shaped  and  directed  a  great  na 
tion's  destiny.  From  across  the  Potomac  this  majestic  pile  glo 
rifies  the  landscape  for  miles  around,  by  its  colossal  proportions, 
its  architectural  symmetry  and  its  regal  magnificence.  I  have 
stood  for  hours  under  a  strange  spell  of  fascination,  feasting  my 
senses  upon  its  stately  outlines.  I  never  tired  of  the  noble  pic 
ture,  which  is  indelibly  photographed  upon  the  tablets  of  my 
memory.  The  following  day,  refreshed  by  our  first  night's  rest 
with  the  twinkling  stars  and  the  bending  skies  our  only  shelter, 
we  crossed  Long  Bridge,  and,  filing  to  the  right,  pitched  our 
tents  in  Camp  Chase,  on  the  sacred  soil  of  Virginia. 

Our  canvas  houses  were  scarcely  set  in  order  when  a  violent 
storm  of  wind  and  rain  set  in,  which  subjected  us  for  forty-eight 
hours  or  more  to  much  inconvenience  and  discomfort.  We  tar- 


168  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ried  here  but  a  short  time,  and  then  moved  on  to  Fairfax  Sem 
inary  and  pitched  our  tents  on  the  grounds  of  a  stately  mansion 
overlooking  the  blue  waters  of  the  Potomac  and  the  city  of  Alex 
andria.  We  spent  several  weeks  here  doing  picket  duty  and  per 
fecting  the  regiment  in  battalion  and  company  drill.  The  boys 
soon  found  out  that  the  colonel  was  not  essentially  a  tactician, 
nor  did  he  make  any  pretence  to  that  accomplishment.  The  sur 
vivors  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers  hold  in  grateful 
remembrance  his  fatherly  watchfulness  and  care,  and  his  earnest 
and  untiring  efforts  to  keep  the  men  well-fed  and  comfortably 
clad.  They  also  retain  a  lively  recollection  of  his  coolness  and 
courage  in  action.  You  will  pardon  me  if  I  refer  to  a  character 
istic  incident  which  illustrates  his  inaptitude  for  the  intricacies 
of  military  manoeuvres.  I  recall  particularly  a  battalion  drill. 
The  regiment  had  been  brought  to  a  halt  in  line  of  battle  and  at 
order  arms,  when  the  colonel  called  out :  "Attention !  Bat 
talion  !  Forward !  Guide  centre !  March !"  the  line  was  thrown 
into  confusion.  Some  of  the  companies  moved  forward  dragging 
their  muskets  after  them,  while  others  remained  stationary  in 
their  places.  He  quickly  saw  his  mistake  and  cried  out  in  his 
characteristic  way :  "Oh !  what  have  I  done  now !"  and  gave  the 
order  to  "Shoulder  Arms!"  and  "As  you  were!"  It  was  no  re 
flection  upon  the  intelligence  of  the  man  that  he  lacked  in  tactical 
aptitude,  any  more  than  it  is  for  one  to  lack  the  faculty  of  be 
coming  a  graceful  dancer  or  a  successful  musician.  I  recall  a 
humorous  incident  which  occurred  in  camp  at  Fairfax  Seminary, 
which,  after  the  lapse  of  over  forty  years,  excites  a  lively  sense 
of  the  ridiculous.  It  was  a  dismal,  drizzling  morning  in  Novem 
ber.  There  had  been  just  enough  rain  to  soften  up  the  clayey 
soil,  and  render  it  slippery  and  of  uncertain  footing  for  either 
man  or  beast.  The  colonel's  horse  was  brought  round  to  his  tent 
by  an  orderly,  and  soon  he  emerged  clad  in  a  long  rubber  coat, 
with  a  hat  of  the  same  material,  and  booted  and  spurred,  his 
sabre  clanking  on  the  ground  as  he  strode  along.  He  vaulted 
into  the  saddle  as  nimbly  as  his  extra  clothing  and  accoutrements 
would  permit.  Gently  putting  spurs  to  his  horse  he  started  off 
down  the  hill  on  a  fairly  brisk  trot,  when  suddenly  the  horse 
stumbled  and  the  colonel  slid  quickly  if  not  gracefully  over  his 
head,  and  with  a  painful  expression  of  hopeless  uncertainty  in 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  169 

his  eyes  as  to  which  end  up  the  earth  would  receive  his  descend 
ing  anatomy,  he  involuntarily  sat  down  with  impressive  empha 
sis  in  the  softly  yielding  unctuous  mud.  He  rose  with  some  dif 
ficulty  from  his  involuntary  seat  and  pulled  himself  together,  at 
the  same  time  expressing  his  disgust  in  good  set  terms,  more 
Hudibrasian  than  for  ears  polite,  and  then  quickly  disappeared 
behind  the  flys  of  his  tent,  where  he  remained  during  the  rest  of 
the  day.  Just  below  our  camp  was  that  of  the  Thirteenth  New 
Hampshire  Volunteers,  in  which  typhoid  fever  was  epidemic. 
The  men  were  fine  types  of  strong,  well-developed  physique,  sug 
gestive  of  the  rugged  rock-ribbed  hills  of  their  native  state.  But 
this  terrible  scourge  swept  through  their  ranks  reaping  a  far 
more  deadly  harvest  than  the  wild  havoc  of  battle.  Not  a  day 
passed  that  did  not  witness  a  corporal's  guard  bearing  some 
stricken  comrade  to  his  humble  grave  down  the  hillside.  Ah! 
what  sadly  impressive  spectacles  were  these  simple  soldier's 
burials.  A  poor  boy,  the  hope  and  dependence  of  some  widowed 
mother,  .  .  .  dwelling  among  the  peaceful  scenes  of  the 
farm,  beyond  whose  surrounding  hills  the  loved  one  had  never 
before  wandered.  He  feels  the  lurking  poison  firing  the  channels 
of  his  blood  and  mounting  to  his  brain.  His  wandering  fancy 
bears  him  back  to  home  and  familiar  scenes,  and  from  his  parched 
lips  falls  that  sweetest  of  all  words  ...  of  either  tongue  or 
pen,  "Mother."  Then  the  struggling  spirit  is  freed  and  strong 
men,  softened  by  that  magic  word,  weep  and  tenderly  fold  his 
nerveless  arms  across  the  dumb  pulseless  breast.  Then  the  rude 
bier,  the  uncoffined  dead  wrapped  in  the  nation's  flag,  the  cor 
poral's  guard  with  arms  reversed,  the  muffled  drum-beat,  and  the 
sharp  volley,  and  the  dead  soldier  is  left  alone  in  his  humblei 
grave.  I  have  witnessed  the  grand  and  imposing  obsequies  of  the 
illustrious  dead,  I  have  seen  their  bodies  consigned  to  the  grave 
amid  the  thunder  of  cannon  and  the  pealing  notes  of  the  bugle 
and  the  trumpet,  but  my  eyes  have  never  beheld  any  pageant  so 
heart-touching  or  so  impressive  as  the  simple  ceremony  of  a  sol 
dier's  burial. 

Early  in  December  the  order  came  to  move,  but  whither  no  one 
knew.  The  soldier  is  never  told.  It  is  his  duty  to  obey,  never 
to  ask  questions.  He  is  but  a  puppet,  and  when  the  string  is 


170  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

pulled  in  the  great  game  of  war,  he  moves  in  quick  response. 
Some  said  the  regiment  was  going  back  to  Washington  to  do  pro 
vost  duty,  others  said  we  were  going  to  do  guard  duty  in  the 
forts  around  Washington.  But  all  the  time  the  giants  of  war 
were  gathering  their  forces  down  on  the  Rappahannock,  for  a 
great  and  deadly  struggle,  .  .  .  and  thitherward  .  .  . 
on  the  checkerboard  of  the  great  martial  game  we  were  to  be 
moved.  Tents  were  struck,  baggage  was  loaded  onto  the  wag 
ons,  and  rations  issued  for  a  long  march.  We  were  soon  swing 
ing  along  towards  Washington,  and,  at  dusk,  were  passing  un 
der  the  giant  shadow  of  the  national  Capitol.  We  filed  along 
beyond  the  city  and  camped  for  the  night.  The  next  morning 
we  were  up  bright  and  early,  and,  after  a  breakfast  of  hard-tack, 
bacon,  and  coffee,  were  off  again,  tramping  down  through  East 
ern  Maryland.  It  was  evident  now  that  our  service  was  not  to 
be  in  or  about  Washington.  The  orders  to  the  men  were  to  re 
spect  private  property.  But  the  squeal  of  the  pig  after  night 
fall  down  in  that  country  was  something  fearful.  Whether  their 
pigships  understood  by  instinct  the  great  perils  incident  to  the 
presence  of  a  hungry  soldier,  I  know  not,  but  certain  it  is  that 
when  -these  protesting  squeals  subsided  they  were  quickly  fol 
lowed  by  a  subdued  gurgling  sound,  and,  directly,  the  atmosphere 
of  the  camp  become  redolent  with  .  .  .  the  appetizing  odors 
of  fried  or  roast  pig  meat.  Sometimes  the  crisp  evening  air 
would  be  disturbed  by  suppressed  squeaks  and  flutterings,  such 
as  follow  the  unerring  grasp  of  the  wary  "coon,"  upon  the  cluck 
ing  apparatus  of  the  unsuspecting  chicken,  roosting  in  the  lower 
branches  of  some  convenient  tree.  It  became  noticeable  very 
soon  that  these  nocturnal  manifestations  were  invariably  fol 
lowed  by  savory  fried  chicken  "&  la  Maryland." 

The  officers  assumed  an  air  of  grave  concern  as  though  puz 
zled  by  the  mysterious  sounds,  but  ate  with  unaffected  relish, 
both  flesh  and  fowl  as  it  turned  up  at  the  mess,  and  no  questions 
asked. 

Our  rations,  save  as  some  unfortunate  razor-back,  or  imprudent 
chicken  came  our  way,  were  the  regulation  hard-tack  and  salted 
meat.  Our  digestions  were  good  in  those  days  and  there  were  no 
torpid  livers  to  vex  our  spirits  or  turn  the  bright  objects  of  our 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  171 

visions  to  sickly  yellow.  Our  march  through  Maryland  was  un 
eventful  save  as  it  introduced  us  to  the  discomforts  of  a  soldier's 
life. 

1  recall,  however,  having  been  in  command  of  the  rear  guard 
one  day,  when  one  of  the  men  climbed  into  a  baggage  wagon,  and, 
protected  by  its  friendly  shelter,  gave  himself  up  to  the  enjoy 
ment  of  a  comfortable  day's  ride.  This  was  hardly  in  accord 
ance,  as  I  thought,  with  a  becoming  military  discipline  and  I  or 
dered  him  to  resume  his  place  with  the  squad.  He  declined  to 
obey,  and  I  then  directed  the  men  to  dislodge  him,  which  they 
did  without  ceremony.  Incensed  by  this  action  he  made  a 
vicious  lunge  at  me  with  his  fixed  bayonet,  which  would  have 
impaled  me  against  the  steep  bank  which  rose  perpendicularly 
behind  me  had  I  not  parried  his  thrust  with  my  sword.  I  imme 
diately  placed  him  under  arrest,  but  he  begged  so  hard  that  upon 
his  promise  to  perform  his  duties  without  further  trouble  I  re 
leased  him.  I  made  no  report  of  his  insubordination,  not  desir 
ing  to  make  serious  trouble  for  the  fellow. 

In  the  following  April,  after  we  had  gone  into  camp  at  Lex 
ington,  Ky.,  Colonel  Browne,  having  in  some  way  heard  of  the 
affair,  called  me  to  task  for  not  having  preferred  charges  against 
the  man.  I  tried  to  excuse  the  affair,  but  he  insisted,  and  I 
framed  some  charges  and  handed  them  in.  They  did  not  suit 
him,  however,  and  he  referred  them  back  to  be  recast.  Before  I 
had  time  to  reframe  them  the  regiment  moved  and  the 
affair  was  not  again  brought  to  my  attention.  A  number  of  years 
after  I  was  one  day  standing  in  the  stable  of  the  old  Woonsocket 
Hotel,  at  Woonsocket,  when  I  was  rudely  accosted  by  a  half- 
drunken  fellow,  whom  I  did  not  recognize  at  the  moment,  who 
assured  me  in  terms  more  emphatic  than  polite  that  it  was  his 

intention  to  give  me  "a  d d  licking."  I  inquired,  with  as 

much  calmness  and  unconcern  as  the  threatening  aspect  of  the 
situation  would  permit,  the  reason  for  his  hostile  demonstration. 
He  replied  with  frank  and  unequivocal  directness,  "For  making 
me  get  down  out  of  that  baggage  wagon  when  the  old  Twelfth 
went  through  Maryland."  I  at  once  recalled  the  incident  and 
recognized  the  same  vicious  look  that  gleamed  from  his  eyes  when 
he  made  the  murderous  lunge  at  me.  I  endeavored  to  hold  a 


172  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

parley  with  him,  urging  that  had  I  been  disposed  I  might  have 
had  him  court-martialed  for  assaulting  an  officer  and  he  would 
have  been  severely  punished.  He  declined  to  take  that  view  of 
the  matter  and  continued  to  advance  in  a  threatening  manner. 
Not  caring  to  incur  a  collision  with  him  I  executed  a  flank  move 
ment  and  retreated  without  indecent  haste  to  the  friendly  shelter 
of  the  hotel.  Thus  I  at  length  suffered  the  penalty  for  relaxing 
military  discipline.  I  am  persuaded  that  had  I  caused  him  to  be 
punished  he  would  have  respected  me  all  the  more. 

At  last  the  regiment  in  its  weary  march  through  Maryland,  ar 
rived  at  dreary,  desolate,  God  forsaken  Port  Tobacco.  If  the 
poor  persecuted  Siberian  exile  runs  up  against  any  place  in  his 
hopeless  journey  to  that  prison  land  that  equals  Port  Tobacco 
in  dismal  loneliness  and  wind-swept  desolateness,  as  it  seemed  to 
me  on  that  day,  he  is  indeed  to  be  pitied.  The  discomforts  of  the 
bleak,  cold  and  cheerless  passage  across  the  Potomac  to  Acquia 
Creek,  and  the  inexpressible  agony  of  that  night  in  Camp  Smoke, 
are  undying  memories.  Another  day's  march  and  we  are  swal 
lowed  up  in  the  embattled  hosts  of  the  great  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac.  On  this  last  day's  march  I  was  hungry  as  I  had  never  been 
before,  having  had  no  fresh  meat  for  several  days.  I  picked  up 
on  the  way  a  fresh  beef  bone;  a  little  meat  remained  on  it.  I 
broke  it  up,  and,  with  a  little  hard-tack,  bacon,  and  water,  made 
a  stew  which  I  ate  with  infinite  relish.  We  were  beginning  to 
learn  the  practical  side  of  a  soldier's  life.  What  a  strange,  be 
wildering  sight  to  my  young  eyes  were  the  barbaric  scenes  of  war 
that  lay  spread  out  before  me.  A  vast  city  of  tented  streets 
with  outlying  suburbs  of  white-winged  dwellings;  long  lines  of 
armed  men  moving  with  measured  step;  smart  aides  and  order 
lies  hurrying  hither  and  thither;  generals  in  full  uniform  at 
tended  by  brilliantly  mounted  staffs  galloping  among  the  troops. 

I  was  confused  and  stunned  by  the  ten  thousand  Babel  sounds 
that  broke  upon  my  unaccustomed  ears.  There  were  the  pealing 
bugle  notes,  the  rattling  drum-beats  and  the  screaming  fife,  the 
inspiring  strains  of  martial  music,  the  hoarse  cries  of  command, 
the  neighing  of  horses  and  the  indescribable,  inexpressible,  un 
earthly,  distressing  discords  of  the  braying  mule.  Here  we 
pitched  our  shelter  tents,  and,  crawling  beneath  them,  stretched 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  173 

our  weary  bodies  upon  the  damp  ground  and  slept  as  peacefully 
as  though  we  were  in  our  beds  at  home  instead  of  being  amid 
these  strange  scenes  and  sounds.  On  the  morrow  we  woke  to 
find  that  this  vast  multitude  about  us,  together  with  ourselves, 
now  busy  to  break  camp,  will  soon  be  fashioned  into  a  mighty 
engine  to  be  hurled  against  the  frowning  heights  across  the  river 
that  flows  peacefully  at  their  feet.  The  Twelfth,  but  two  months 
in  the  service,  undisciplined,  and  unfamiliar  with  drill,  are  to 
join  these  veterans  of  a  score  of  hard-fought  battles,  in  a  bloody 
struggle  with  the  determined  foe  that  awaits  our  coming.  Then 
every  man,  as  he  became  conscious  of  the  impending  struggle, 
calmly  resolved  to  do  his  duty.  Many  \vere  the  prayers  that  were 
uttered,  for  no  man  could  tell  what  might  be  his  fate.  With  the 
early  dawn  all  was  activity.  There  was  hurrying  to  and  fro, 
and,  when  the  morning  sun  rose  behind  the  fleeing  night,  his  ear 
liest  rays  were  reflected  in  corruscating  splendor  from  the  bur 
nished  arms  and  accoutrements  of  the  marshalled  hosts.  All 
day  long  the  serried  ranks  of  this  vast  host  stood  calmly  await 
ing  the  signal  to  advance  on  their  mission  of  carnage  and  death. 
It  was  a  grandly  imposing  spectacle,  these  thronging,  bristling 
regiments,  brigades,  and  divisions,  with  their  battle-stained,  shot- 
torn  colors  drooping  in  the  soft,  hazy  air  of  that  mild  December 
morning.  As  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  to  the  front  and  to  the 
rear,  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  was  one  continuous  forest  of 
glistening  bayonets.  All  day  long  they  stood  listening  for  the 
word  of  command,  but  none  came,  and  back  to  camp  with  the 
lengthening  shadows  of  approaching  night  the  long,  dark  lines 
filed,  each  man  of  this  vast  array,  to  the  very  spot  he  had  left  in 
the  morning.  All  again  stretched  themselves  upon  the  ground 
to  sleep,  many  of  them  .  .  .  for  the  last  time  on  earth. 

On  the  following  morning,  as  the  light  of  the  dawning  day 
came  flashing  through  the  brooding  mists,  a  booming  gun  signals 
the  opening  fray.  Suddenly  more  than  a  hundred  guns  belch 
forth  the  volleying  thunders  of  the  merciless  cannonade.  Now 
this  mighty  engine  of  human  hands  and  feet  and  throbbing  hearts 
terrible  with  banners  and  breathing  destruction  and  death,  be 
gins  its  advance.  Onward  it  moves,  with  firm  step  and  deter 
mined  aspect.  Amid  a  fierce  storm  of  shrieking  shells  and  crash- 


174  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ing  shot  it  reaches  the  bluff  which  overlooks  the  river ;  down  its 
steep  side  it  calmly  and  steadily  moves  forward,  then  across  the 
pontoon  bridges  and  up  into  the  deserted  streets  of  the  be- 
leagured  city.  I  well  remember  as  we  passed  the  Phillips  House, 
occupied  by  General  Burnside  for  his  headquarters,  of  seeing 
Major-General  Sumner  commanding  the  Right  Grand  Division 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  before  Fredericksburg.  He  was 
mounted  and  wore  the  full  dress  uniform  of  his  rank.  His  whi 
tened  locks  flowed  in  graceful  waves  from  beneath  his  cap  and 
were  gently  lifted  on  the  mild  breeze.  To  my  eyes  he  presented 
an  attractive  and  impressive  picture  of  ripened  manhood  and 
soldierly  dignity. 

When  our  regiment  reached  the  brow  of  the  bluff,  where  the 
descent  begins  leading  to  the  river's  brink,  there  it  had  its  first 
introduction  to  the  fiendish  screech  of  flying  missiles.  Many  of 
the  men  involuntarily  dipped  their  heads  as  the  frightful  sounds 
fell  upon  their  unaccustomed  ears.  I  dropped  so  that  my  finger 
tips  penetrated  the  yielding  earth.  The  colonel,  observing  this, 
cried  out  in  his  quaint  way,  "Don't  do  that,  boys!  You  can't 
dodge  them  things!"  Assured  by  this  consoling  information,  I 
braced  up  and  brought  my  head  and  shoulders  to  a  proper  eleva 
tion.  That  same  afternoon  as  the  colonel  and  his  staff  were 
seated  upon  their  horses  in  the  rear  of  a  brick  building  engaged 
in  a  pleasant  chat,  a  solid  shot  or  shell  struck  the  roof  above, 
bringing  down  a  shower  of  shingles  upon  them.  The  colonel,  to 
the  great  amusement  of  the  large  number  of  the  boys  who  wit 
nessed  the  scene,  threw  himself  down  upon  the  neck  of  his  horse, 
but,  suddenly  recalling  his  reprimand  of  the  morning,  he  ex 
claimed,  as  he  resumed  an  upright  position,  "Well,  they  do  make 
a  fellow  dodge  a  little,  don't  they?" 

We  soon  got  so  accustomed  to  these  yelling,  shrieking  demons, 
which  were  continually  flying  over  our  heads,  that  we  scarcely 
noticed  them  unless  they  fell  or  exploded  near  us.  That  night, 
with  our  arms  within  easy  reach,  we  disposed  ourselves  along  the 
sidewalks  and  in  the  streets,  and,  wrapped  in  our  blankets,  slept 
as  soundly  and  restfully  as  though  in  our  beds  at  home.  The 
enemy's  batteries  and  our  own  ceased  firing  after  the  curtains 
of  night  were  drawn.  The  stars  came  trooping  forth  thickly 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  175 

studding  the  clear-arching  heavens  with  familiar  and  friendly  ra 
diance,  and  the  stillness  and  calmness  of  tranquil  repose  fell 
upon  the  tumultuous  scenes  of  the  closing  day.  The  shadows  of 
night  settled  down  upon  the  ghastly  tokens  and  horrors  of  war 
and  mercifully  hid  them  from  sight.  There  was  nothing  to  de 
note  that  two  great  armies  were  hovering  near,  ready  to  spring 
at  each  other's  throats  in  a  deadly  struggle,  save  the  noiseless 
tread  of  the  vigilant  sentinels  who  kept  faithful  vigil  between 
them  and  the  gleaming  camp-fires  on  the  frowning  heights  above. 
The  next  morning  many  of  the  boys  found  their  way  into  the 
houses  which  had  been  hastily  abandoned  before  the  bombard 
ment  of  the  city.  It  was  a  sad  reflection,  the  thought  that  de 
fenceless  women  and  children,  the  aged  and  infirm,  driven  from 
these  homes  of  comfort  and  refinement  in  the  inclement  winter 
months,  were  wandering  in  the  rear  of  Lee's  army,  perhaps  with 
out  shelter  and  without  sufficient  food,  while  those  whom  they 
looked  upon  as  their  deadliest  enemies  were  ransacking  their 
dwelling-places  and  profaning  their  household  gods.  I  entered 
one  house;  there  were  the  children's  playthings  scattered  about 
the  rooms  which  a  few  hours  before  had  rung  with  innocent 
childish  prattle;  and  lying  about  with  an  air  of  social  refinement 
and  unconventional  freedom,  were  books  and  music,  and  the 
thousand  and  one  objects  that  beautify  and  adorn  the  refined 
home.  Ah !  what  a  monster  of  cruelty  is  war !  It  not  only  tram 
ples  with  an  iron  hoof  upon  human  life,  but  it  desecrates  and  de 
stroys  home,  the  most  sacred  object  of  human  creation.  It  sti 
fles  human  sympathy,  blunts  the  moral  sensibilities  and  revels  in 
the  pitiful  walls  of  anguish  and  despair  that  rise  in  ceaseless 
and  harrowing  volume  from  its  merciless  inhumanity.  To  my 
mind  the  spectacle  of  the  disfigured,  shot-torn  corpses  which  lay 
unburied  and  festering  in  the  streets,  or  the  carnage  and 
slaughter  which  was  witnessed  on  the  field  of  battle,  bespoke  a 
less  cruel  hand  than  the  desolation  of  firesides  and  the  anguish 
and  despair  of  human  hearts,  for  these  are  the  real  inhumanities 
of  dreadful  war.  I  looked  around  for  some  trifling  memento  of 
this  Southern  home  that  would  not  encumber  me  to  take  away. 
I  felt  confident  then  that  after  a  few  days  of  hard  fighting  the 
army  would  triumphantly  enter  Richmond,  from  which  place  I 


176  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

could  enclose  my  memento  in  a  letter  and  send  it  home.  I  picked 
up  this  thing  and  that  thing,  dropping  each  for  something  that 
seemed  more  appropriate,  as  a  child  drops  one  plaything  for  one 
more  attractive,  and  finally  left  the  house  with  a  small  ring  of 
white  wax  beads.  During  the  morning  of  the  day  the  regiment 
went  into  the  fight,  I  saw  a  regiment  in  spic  and  span  uniform, 
their  arms  and  equipments  glistening  in  the  sunshine,  filing  down 
the  bluff  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  headed  by  a  band,  which 
was  saucily  trumpeting  the  familiar  air  of  "Bully  for  You." 
When  the  band  had  about  reached  the  pontoon  bridge  its  inspir 
ing  strains  being  doubtless  plainly  heard  by  the  rebels  on  the 
heights  above,  two  shells  came  screeching  and  shrieking  over  our 
heads  with  defiant  accompaniment  to  the  music,  and  struck  in 
the  midst  of  the  column  just  on  the  brow  of  the  bluff.  There  was 
a  puff  of  smoke,  and,  when  it  rose,  the  long  dark  line  of  the  regi 
ment  had  disappeared  under  the  convenient  protection  of  a  neigh 
boring  ravine.  An  ambulance  was  driven  rapidly  up  to  the  scene 
of  the  catastrophe,  the  shattered  bodies  of  the  dead  and  wounded 
were  gathered  into  it,  and  then  it  was  driven  quickly  away. 
Frightful  as  was  the  spectacle  there  was  in  it  a  touch  of  humor 
that  excited  a  laugh  among  those  who  witnessed  it.  Thus  does 
familiarity  with  danger  render  the  human  mind  less  sensible  to 
its  consequences,  while  the  mind's  susceptibility  to  outward  im 
pressions  is  sigularly  adjusted  to  surrounding  circumstances  and 
objects. 

At  length  it  came  our  turn  to  go  into  action.  I  take  it  we  all 
experienced  substantially  the  same  sensations  when  the  colonel 
gave  the  order  to  move  forward.  He  remarked,  as  a  sort  of  com 
forting  assurance,  that  we  were  to  march  on  to  the  field  in  line 
of  battle,  as  we  would  be  under  fire  directly  and  it  would  not  be 
so  effective  as  it  would  be  if  we  advanced  in  columns.  When  the 
order  was  given  there  came  a  slightly  choking  sensation  in  the 
throat,  a  quicker  pulsing  of  the  heart  and  a  perceptible  tremor 
of  the  nerves,  induced  by  an  apprehension  of  danger.  Then  each 
man  summoned  all  his  resolution,  and,  tightening  his  grasp  upon 
his  arms,  the  regiment  pushed  up  the  steep  bank  as  it  rose  from 
the  river's  side,  and  out  across  an  open  field  in  full  view  of  the 
enemy's  works  on  Marye's  Heights. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  177 

"  Behold  in  awful  march  and  dread  array 
The  long  extended  squadrons  shape  their  way 
Death  in  approaching,  terrible  imparts 
An  anxious  horror  to  the  bravest  hearts. 
Yet  do  their  beating  breasts  demand  the  strife 
And  thirst  of  glory  quells  the  love  of  life  " 

Here  our  ears  first  caught  the  vicious  "zip"  of  the  Minie  ball. 
As  we  advanced  across  this  open  field  we  could  plainly  see  the 
rebel  lines  rise  from  their  entrenchments  and  pour  their  murder 
ous  volleys  into  the  columns  of  our  brave  comrades,  which  reeled 
and  staggered  under  the  withering  storm;  but  again  and  again, 
with  a  sublime  courage,  the  Union  patriots  closed  up  their  -shat 
tered  ranks,  and,  steadying  their  decimated  lines,  hurled  them 
selves  with  undaunted  spirit  against  the  impregnable  stronghold 
of  their  defiant  foes. 

The  regiment  finally  reached  a  high  board  fence  which  de 
scribed  a  right  angle  facing  our  front.  The  regiment  swung 
around  this  angle,  bringing  the  two  companies,  B  and  G,  to  the 
left  of  the  angle,  and  the  remaining  companies  to  the  right,  so 
that  they  were  concealed  from  each  other.  The  order  was  given 
to  the  men  to  lie  down  behind  the  fence  as  a  protection  from  the 
fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries  to  which  we  were  exposed.  The  left 
of  the  two  companies  B  and  G  rested  on  the  famous  railroad  cut. 

While  we  lay  there  a  shell  struck  a  knoll  in  front  of  us  and 
ricochetted  through  the  fence,  cutting  off  the  left  leg  of  Private 
George  W.  Austin,  of  South  Kingstown,  just  above  the  knee  and 
as  clean  as  though  it  had  been  severed  with  a  knife.  He  died  on 
the  field.  It  was  the  first  casualty  that  I  witnessed,  and,  at  the 
sight  of  the  terrible  wound  and  the  blood,  all  turned  pale,  and, 
as  for  myself,  with  a  nervous  impulse  I  plunged  my  hands  deeply 
into  the  soft  yielding  soil.  For  some  unaccountable  cause  the 
order  to  advance  was  not  communicated  to  the  left,  and,  being 
concealed  from  the  main  body  of  the  regiment  by  the  fence, 
the  men  were  not  aware  of  the  movement,  so  that  companies 
B  and  G  became  detached.  As  soon  as  the  mistake  was  discov 
ered  Captains  Longstreet  and  Eogers  held  a  hasty  consultation 
and  decided  to  file  to  the  left  down  into  the  railroad  cut.  The 
order  was  given,  and,  as  we  began  to  move,  an  officer  sprang  up 
12 


178  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

the  steep  bank  and  cried  out,  "For  God's  sake  don't  go  in  there; 
you  will  be  cut  to  pieces!"  We  halted  a  moment,  and,  while  I 
stood  within  two  or  three  feet  of  Captain  Kogers,  holding  a  hasty 
consultation  as  to  which  way  we  should  move,  a  spent  shell  from 
our  own  batteries  passed  between  us  and  fell  harmlessly  a  few 
feet  beyond.  This  indicated  that  our  own  troops  were  in  peril, 
as  well  from  our  own  guns  as  from  those  of  the  enemy.  We 
found  our  way  into  the  railroad  cut,  but  at  what  point  has  be 
come  by  the  lapse  of  years  so  vague  a  recollection  that  I  cannot 
recall  it.  Fortunately,  as  I  recall  the  event,  the  enemy's  fire  had 
somewhat  slackened,  and  we  lost  no  men  that  1  am  aware  of. 
While  we  were  moving  through  the  railroad  cut,  our  attention 
was  attracted  by  loud  cries  of  "Come  right  up  here!  Come  on! 
Come  on !"  and  other  exclamations  which  could  not  be  heard 
above  the  clamor  and  roar  of  the  battle.  Standing  on  the  high 
est  point  of  the  steep  bank,  which  rose  almost  perpendicularly 
to  a  height  of  at  least  fifty  feet,  and  in  full  view,  I  should  judge, 
of  the  entire  rebel  army,  was  Sergt.-Maj.  Charley  Potter,  wildly 
gesticulating,  .  .  .  slashing  the  air  with  his  sword  and  hal 
looing  at  the  top  of  his  voice.  I  expected  every  moment  to  see 
him  tumble  into  our  midst  a  shot-torn  mangled  corpse.  But 
whether,  out  of  admiration  for  his  boldness  and  audacity,  the 
enemy  spared  him,  or  because  of  some  impending  charge  by  our 
troops  upon  their  works,  he  was  unnoticed,  it  is  quite  impossible 
to  say.  It  was  a  humorous  episode  in  the  terrible  tragedy  that 
was  being  enacted  around  us.  We  measured  with  our  eyes  the 
precipitous  bank  and  deemed  it  unwise  to  attempt  to  scale  it. 
We  passed  along  to  the  end  of  the  cut  and  filed  to  the  left  out 
upon  the  battlefield  amid  windrows  of  dead  and  wounded,  the  air 
all  about  us  in  tremulous  agitation  from  the  hissing,  crashing, 
moaning,  shrieking  and  fluttering  missiles  of  death.  The  battle 
has  been  described  so  many  times  that  any  description  of  mine 
would  only  mar  the  symmetry  of  the  story  with  which  you  are 
all  familiar. 

All  day  long  the  surging  tide  of  the  patriot  hosts  beat  against 
those  fateful  heights.  Such  valor  has  rarely  been  witnessed  in 
all  the  terrible  experiences  of  war.  WThen  the  darkness  of  wel 
come  night  settled  down  upon  that  blood-stained  field,  seventy- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  179 

five  hundred  dead  and  wounded  comrades  lay  concealed  in  the 
sheltering  gloom.  The  shattered  ranks  of  the  great  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  undaunted  and  unconquerable  in  spirit,  lie  down  be 
side  its  heroic  dead,  and,  clinching  their  arms  with  a  firm  and 
resolute  grasp,  await  with  watchful  eyes  for  the  coming  dawn. 
They  will  be  ready  on  the  morrow  to  storm  those  frowning 
heights  and  avenge  the  blood  of  their  slain  comrades. 

The  chivalrous  commander  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  his 
great  heart  breaking  with  grief  because  of  the  fearful  slaughter 
of  the  day,  declares  to  his  assembled  generals  his  purpose  to  lead 
his  own  Ninth  Corps  the  next  morning  in  a  charge  upon  the  rebel 
works  on  Marye's  Heights.  His  generals  disapprove  his  heroic 
resolve  as  too  hazardous,  urging  that  the  enemy's  position  was 
so  far  impregnable  that  an  assault  would  result  in  a  useless  sac 
rifice  of  human  lives.  To  this  advice  he  reluctantly  accedes. 
Through  the  next  day  and  into  the  following  night  the  Union 
lines  sullenly  maintain  a  threatening  front.  But  under  the 
friendly  shelter  of  the  gathering  shadows  of  nightfall  this  great 
army  confined  in  the  pent-up  streets  of  Fredericksburg  and  with 
a  deep-flowing  river  at  its  back,  turns  its  battle-stained  columns 
towards  the  opposite  bank  and  noiselessly  as  phantoms  they  van 
ish  in  the  deepning  gloom,  and  when  the  glorious  god  of  day 
mounts  his  golden  chariot  on  the  morrow,  they  are  safely  back 
at  their  old  camp,  and  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  has  passed 
into  the  web  and  woof  of  a  great  nation's  history. 


REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOL 
UNTEERS—FROM  FALMOUTH  TO  KENTUCKY. 

READ  AT  THE  REUNION  OF  THE  REGIMENT  AUG.  6,  1895. 
BY  COL.  DANIEL  R.  BALLOU. 


THE  withdrawal  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  across  the  Kappa- 
hannock  to  its  old  camping  ground,  after  its  disastrous  experi 
ences  under  the  bristling  heights  of  Fredericksburg,  was  followed 
by  great  hardship  and  suffering  among  the  troops,  which  the 
soldiers  of  the  Twelfth  shared  in  common  with  the  rest  of  their 
comrades-in-arms. 

During  the  excitement  of  the  fight  many  of  the  men  had 
thoughtlessly  thrown  away  their  blankets  and  shelter  tents,  and 
when  they  found  their  wray  back  to  camp  were  without  any  pro 
tection  from  the  piercing  wintry  blasts  that  swept  over  the 
"sacred  soil"  after  the  great  battle.  ^ 

This  extreme  cold  was  succeeded  later  on  by  warmer  weather 
and  rains  which  transformed  the  camp  and  surrounding  country 
into  one  vast  slough  of  sticky,  viscid  mud,  in  which  men  and 
beasts  floundered  in  inextricable  desperation.  Added  to  the  dis 
comforts  incident  to  these  conditions,  and  which  made  them  less 
endurable,  was  the  feeling  of  disappointment  and  chagrin,  min 
gled  with  sorrow,  that  pervaded  the  army  in  consequence  of  its 
bloody  failure  to  dislodge  the  enemy  in  the  late  battlM-The  en 
emy  still  defiantly  held  the  frowning  heights,  against  ^Bo'se  steel- 
girt  base  the  life-tide  of  seventy-five  hundred  slain  and  wounded 
heroes  broke  in  great  crested  waves,  dashing  their  crimson  spray 
far  up  the  embattled  slopes. 

The  great  heart  of  the  nation  well-nigh  lost  hope  in  this  ter 
rible  trial,  but  it  at  length  gathered  inspiration  and  courage 


] 


TWELFTH    RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  181 

from  the  intrepid  spirit  and  sublime  courage  always  displayed 
by  the  magnificent  Army  of  the  Potomac,  no  less  in  times  of  dis 
aster  like  this  than  in  the  hour  of  victory. 

Six  months  later  its  unflinching  heroism  and  unfaltering  faith 
were  rewarded  by  a  glorious  triumph  on  the  historic  field  of  Get 
tysburg  and  at  Vicksburg. 

The  survivors  of  the  gallant  old  Twelfth  are  honored  in  having 
shared  the  perils  and  hardships  of  that  midwinter  campaign 
along  the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock. 

What  a  strange  panorama  of  mingled  scenes  of  comedy  and 
tragedy,  of  pathetic  helplessness  and  ineffable  disgust  was  pre 
sented  by  a  great  army,  invested  with  all  the  panoply  and  trap 
pings  of  war;  its  men,  horses,  guns  and  baggage  teams,  flounder 
ing  in  inextricable  confusion  in  the  indescribable  mud  of  "Old 
Virginny."  How  full  of  agony  must  have  been  the  heart  of  our 
dear  old  Burnside,  as  he  looked  out  over  his  great  army  on  that 
memorable  22d  of  January,  staggering  beneath  the  pelting  rain 
that  poured  in  pitiless  torrents  from  the  overburdened  clouds. 

You  will  recall  the  return  to  camp  after  this  unsuccessful  at 
tempt  and  the  long  days  of  patient  submission  to  surrounding 
discomforts  and  discouragements. 

At  length,  on  the  8th  of  February  following,  there  came  an 
order  for  the  Ninth  Corps  to  move.  On  the  following  day  the 
boys  packed  their  knapsacks,  and,  with  a  sigh  of  relief,  turned 
their  backs  upon  the  miseries  of  "Camp  Mud."  The  discomforts 
experienced  here  had  their  bright  side.  Mutual  sufferings  bring 
men  closer  together  and  intensify  and  strengthen  their  friend 
ships,  so  that  while  the  men  felt  no  regret  at  departing  from 
these  scenes,  many  of  them  carried  away  in  their  hearts  a  deeper 
and  holier  sentiment  of  brotherly  love  than  they  had  ever  before 
experienced.  The  regiment  boarded  the  train  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  9th  and  ran  down  to  Acquia  Creek,  where  they  embarked 
on  the  steamers  Metacomet  and  Junlata,  which  at  once  hauled 
into  the  stream,  and  the  next  morning  stood  down  the  river 
bound  for  Newport  News.  The  schooner  Elizabeth  and  Helen 
laden  with  stores  from  home  for  the  Khode  Island  boys,  lay  off 
Acquia  Creek,  as  the  regiment  embarked.  Colonel  Browne  put 
out  to  her  in  a  boat  and  secured  a  few  apples,  which  he  caused 


182  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

to  be  distributed  among  the  regiment.  These  were  keenly  rel 
ished  by  the  men,  who  had  had  but  few,  if  any,  vegetables  or  fruit 
for  many  weeks.  On  the  llth  of  February,  after  a  pleasant  pas 
sage,  the  regiment  was  landed  at  Newport  News,  where  they 
went  into  camp  along  with  the  rest  of  the  Ninth  Corps.  Objects 
of  great  interest  greeted  the  eager  eyes  of  the  men  as  the  steam 
ers  neared  the  great  gateway  of  Hampton  Koads.  On  the  right, 
the  frowning  battlements  of  Fortress  Monroe,  bristling  with  their 
mighty  armament  of  huge  guns,  whose  grewsome  jaws  were  wide 
open  to  hurl  destructive  bolts  at  any  approaching  enemy.  On 
the  left,  the  famous  Rip-Raps,  an  incompleted  fortress,  which 
served  as  a  place  of  confinement  for  military  prisoners.  Further 
along  to  the  left  was  the  mouth  of  Elizabeth  Kiver,  and  a  few 
miles  up  the  stream,  nestling  along  its  bank,  the  fair  city  of  Nor 
folk,  and  just  across,  the  Portsmouth  Navy  Yard,  where  the  fa 
mous  ram,  Merrimac,  was  fitted  out.  These  places,  but  lately  in 
the  possession  of  the  enemy,  were  now  sheltered  by  the  Stars  and 
Stripes  which  floated  undisturbed  above  them. 

What  a  magnificent  bay, — rather  a  great  inland,  landlocked 
sea, — breaks  on  the  vision  as  the  steamers  round  old  Point  Com 
fort,  and  head  up  this  grand  waterway.  As  far  away  to  the 
westward  as  the  eye  can  reach,  one  vainly  searches  for  the  mouth 
of  the  James  River,  until  the  bright  blue  waters  merge  in  the 
gracefully  bending-  sky.  Here,  on  the  broad,  deep  bosom  of  an 
unruffled  sea,  can  float  the  navies  of  the  world.  Who  can  sum 
up  the  future  possibilities  of  American  progress  and  resources, 
and  not  picture  countless  fleets  laden  with  the  commerce  of  an 
empire,  serenely  riding  at  a  safe  anchorage  within  this  harbor  of 
refuge.  Opposite  the  camp  of  the  Twelfth  are  the  crushed  and 
sunken  hulks  of  the  Congress  and  Cumberland,  silent  witnesses 
of  the  destructive  power  of  the  Confederate  ironclad  Merrimac. 
Out  on  these  now  peaceful  waters  was  enacted  the  grandest 
drama  in  naval  warfare  the  world  has  ever  seen. 

The  fight  between  the  Monitor,  that  strangely  invincible  crea 
tion  of  the  great  Ericsson,  and  the  Merrimac,  convulsed  the  civil 
ized  world,  and  wrought  a  sweeping  revolution  in  the  naval  archi 
tecture  of  the  great  powers  of  the  earth.  There  seemed  to  be 
the  hand  of  Providence  in  this  dramatic  event.  Had  the  Herri- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  183 

mac  reached  the  open  sea,  Washington,  Baltimore,  Philadelphia, 
and  New  York,  would  have  been  at  the  mercy  of  this  Titanic  le 
viathan.  No  event  during  the  war  caused  greater  consternation 
than  the  expected  appearance  of  this  terrible  ironclad  monster. 
Secretary  Stanton  predicted  that  she  would  come  up  the  Potomac 
and  drop  shells  into  the  Capitol  and  White  House.  Who  can 
contemplate  without  a  shudder  the  disastrous  results  which 
might  have  followed.  But  the  little  Monitor,  with  its  cheese-box 
turret,  was  completed  just  in  the  nick  of  time.  She  appeared  at 
the  scene  of  conflict,  not  early  enough  to  save  those  grand  old 
frigates,  whose  splendid  architecture  preserved  in  surviving 
ships,  are  now  the  unique  relics  of  a  past  age,  but  just  early 
enough  to  prevent  the  escape  of  this  ironclad  engine  of  destruc 
tion,  and  the  fatal  consequences  which  must  have  followed. 

The  camp  of  the  Twelfth  was  pleasantly  located  some  distance 
back  from  the  camp  which  overlooks  the  Roads,  and,  as  soon  as 
the  quartermaster  could  get  a  requisition  honored,  "A"  tents 
were  distributed  and  the  men  were  comfortably  housed.  The 
time  was  occupied  with  company,  battalion,  and  brigade  drill, 
the  regiment  performing  its  part  of  picket  duty.  On  the  25th 
day  of  February  the  corps  was  reviewed  by  General  Dix.  The 
discipline  of  the  regiment  in  drill  was  now  under  the  direction  of 
Lieut.-Col.  James  Shaw,  Jr.,  lately  assigned  to  that  position. 
Under  his  efficient  instruction  the  regiment  made  rapid  progress 
in  this  important  feature  of  the  service.  Oysters  and  other  shell 
fish  abounded  in  these  waters,  so  that  the  men  were  able  to  add 
to  their  army  rations  these  luxuries,  of  which  they  had  for  many 
months  been  deprived. 

Those  who  could  procure  passes  availed  themselves  of  the  op 
portunity  to  visit  Fortress  Monroe  and  Norfolk,  on  which  occa 
sion  paper  collars  and  an  extra  shine  were  in  order.  There  were 
few  incidents  of  an  exciting  nature  to  break  the  monotony  of 
camp  life.  Occasionally  the  boys  would  cast  a  searching  glance 
in  the  direction  of  the  gunboat  patrolling  off  the  mouth  of  the 
James  as  if  they  would  like  to  see  another  ironclad  steamer  come 
down  and  have  a  brush  with  the  Monitor. 

It  was  a  common  saying  in  the  regiment  that  when  the  sutler 
got  along  it  was  about  time  for  orders  to  move.  The  truth  of 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

it  did  not  fail  in  our  experience  at  Newport  News.  During  the 
last  days  of  the  camp  Uncle  Horace  turned  up  with  his  stores  of 
condensed  milk,  tobacco,  and  other  luxuries,  at  sight  of  which 
the  average  soldier  is  always  ready  for  a  prompt  and  uncondi 
tional  surrender  of  his  loose  change. 

You  all  remember  Horace  Patterson.  His  beaming,  full-orbed 
face  reminded  one  of  Dickens's  "Pickwick."  He  lacked  Pick 
wick's  oratorical  powers,  and  his  indifference  to  money  matters, 
—but  he  had  about  him  an  air  of  benignity  and  childlike  inno 
cence  which  were  the  crowning  attractions  of  that  immortal 
character.  Underneath  his  guileless  exterior  ran  a  strong  cur 
rent  of  Yankee  shrewdness,  but  unfortunately  for  him,  like  Mc- 
Clellan,  he  was  too  slow.  There  was  considerable  excitement  in 
camp  when  Horace  arrived,  and  when  he  commenced  the  erec 
tion,  under  the  direction  of  the  colonel,  of  a  log  house  in  which 
to  display  his  wares,  everybody  was  sure  that  the  completion  of 
the  structure  would  be  the  signal  for  breaking  camp,  and  so  it 
was.  The  colonel  took  a  great  interest  in  the  building  of  this 
structure.  He  bossed  the  job,  and  in  so  doing  earned  the  sobri 
quet  among  the  boys  of  "She." 

As  I  recollect,  Uncle  Horace  had  scarcely  set  up  his  wares  for 
sale  before  the  regiment  broke  camp  and  was  off  for  Kentucky. 
I  hear  the  old  man  has  recently  passed  away  at  our  Soldiers' 
Home  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-four,  and  that  his  last  days 
were  shrouded  in  the  gloom  and  bitterness  of  poverty.  On  the 
night  of  the  5th  of  March,  while  encamped  at  Newport  News, 
Company  F  received  a  social  call  from  a  large  delegation  of  the 
Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania.  The  guests  being  of  a  playful  dis 
position,  brought  along  with  them  a  unique  assortment  of  clubs 
and  stones,  through  the  medium  of  which  they  demonstrated  by 
way  of  emphasis  their  arrival.  Company  F  had  among  its  mem 
bership  a  large  number  who  were  well  versed  in  the  requirements 
of  hospitality  on  a  social  occasion  of  this  character,  and  accord 
ingly  a  self-constituted  committee  of  the  whole  was  quickly  or 
ganized,  who,  waiving  all  formalities,  received  their  visitors  with 
such  overwhelming  and  unexpected  fervency  that  they  retired 
at  an  early  hour  bearing  many  conspicuous  marks  of  the 
unstinted  entertainment  of  which  they  had  been  the  recipi- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  185 

ents.  A  few  of  the  departing  guests,  owing  to  the  singular  en 
thusiasm  and  confusion  incident  to  their  sudden  leave-taking, 
not  to  be  outdone  in  politeness,  returned  to  make  more  formal 
adieus,  which  were  of  so  noisy  and  hilarious  a  character  as  to  in 
vite  the  presence  of  Captain  Hubbard  and  the  lieutenant-colonel, 
who  rendered  valuable  assistance  in  winding  up  the  honors  of 
the  occasion,  which  were  largely  with  Company  F. 

On  the  25th  of  March,  1863,  marching  orders  were  received, 
and,  on  the  evening  of  the  26th,  tents  were  struck,  and,  in  a  few 
moments,  the  orderly  camp  of  a  great  army  was  one  wide  ocean 
of  disorder  and  desolation.  Great  bonfires  of  boxes  and  camp 
debris  were  started,  and  the  air  was  suddenly  filled  with  flame 
and  smoke.  At  eleven  o'clock,  pursuant  to  orders,  the  men 
quickly  fell  in  and  the  regiment  marched  to  the  landing,  and 
aboard  the  steamer  Long  Island,  bound  for  Baltimore.  After  a 
pleasant  and  uneventful  passage,  the  steamer  reached  a  landing 
on  the  evening  of  the  27th,  but  the  regiment  was  detained  aboard 
until  the  following  morning.  At  six  o'clock  the  next  morning 
the  regiment  disembarked,  and,  forming  on  the  wharf,  was 
marched  through  the  city  to  the  station  from  whence  the  men 
were  to  be  transported  to  the  Department  of  the  Ohio.  Public 
sentiment  in  Baltimore  had  evidently  undergone  a  change  since 
we  passed  through  it  on  our  way  to  the  front  six  months  before. 
The  regiment  was  warmly  and  enthusiastically  received  all  along 
the  line  of  march,  and  the  boys,  under  the  impulse  of  the  moment, 
forgave  the  scornful  reception  ihej  had  received  from  the  proud 
beauties  of  the  Monument  city  on  our  former  visit.  Permission 
had  been  given  on  the  march  through  the  city, — or  no  attempt 
was  made  to  restrain  the  men, — to  leave  the  ranks,  and,  at  the 
end  of  the  hour  or  thereabouts  it  took  to  reach  the  station,  the 
veteran  Ninth  Corps  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  which  had 
fought  at  Antietani  and  at  Fredericksburg,  was  on  a  grand 
spree  in  Baltimore.  All  along  the  line  of  march  were  groups 
of  old  soldiers,  with  just  enough  of  tanglefoot  down  to  feel 
good,  spinning  yarns  to  the  gaping  crowd  of  their  personal 
exploits  and  hairbreadth  escapes.  When  the  various  com 
mands  reached  the  station  it  was  only  with  a  handful  of 
men.  The  ranks  were  as  depleted  as  though  they  had  just 
been  through  a  great  battle.  Then  the  scattered  fugitives  had  to 


186 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


be  drummed  together,  which  was  done,  but  not  without  some 
difficulty.  Ambulances  and  stretchers  might  have  been  used 
with  advantage,  and  it  is  no  serious  reflection  upon  the  boys  to 
say  this.  If  any  men  ever  had  an  excuse  for  a  little  overindul 
gence,  they  had  one.  Let  it  not  be  laid  up  against  them  that 
after  undergoing  so  much  suffering  and  hardship,  incurring  so 
many  dangers  upon  the  battlefield  and  in  other  places  of  peril 
in  defence  of  their  country,  they  yielded  to  this  temptation. 
Everybody  was  good-natured,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a  little 
firing  in  the  air  to  remind  the  populace  that  the  boys  were  around, 
there  was  no  manifestation  of  disorder.  It  was  one  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  before  the  last  man  was  aboard  the  train.  If 
pandemonium  was  ever  let  loose,  this  was  the  time  and  the  occa 
sion.  If  Johnny  reb  had  run  across  us  on  this  trip  he  would 
have  had  the  picnic  of  his  life.  It  was  late  into  the  night  when, 
tired  out  and  exhausted  by  their  incessant  and  vociferous  lung 
exercises,  quiet  at  length  settled  down  upon  the  boys  and 
they  fell  asleep.  At  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day, 
we  reached  Altoona,  where  we  received  rations  of  hot  coffee  and 
white  bread  and  then  commenced  the  ascent  of  the  picturesque 
Alleghany  Mountains.  Crossing  the  Alleghanies  was  a  very  en 
joyable  experience  for  very  many  of  us.  The  scenery  was  de 
lightful,  but  to  many  of  us  the  triumphs  of  engineering  skill  that 
had  overcome  the  natural  obstacles  to  the  construction  of  a  rail 
road  over  these  steep  ascents  and  across  mountain  chasms  ex 
cited  quite  as  much  wonder  in  our  minds.  At  midnight  we 
reached  Pittsburg,  and  a  half-hour  later  we  partook  of  what  may 
properly  be  called  an  early  breakfast,  which  was  kindly  provided 
for  us  at  the  City  Hall.  We  then  returned  to  the  station,  and, 
wrapping  our  blankets  around  us,  lay  down  in  the  open  train- 
shed  and  snatched  what  sleep  we  could  during  the  rest  of  the 
night.  The  next  morning  at  nine  o'clock  the  regiment  was  off 
en  route  for  Cincinnati.  Comrade  Alexander,  then  lieutenant, 
and  afterwards  captain,  and  myself,  were  left  behind  to  bring  up 
the  stragglers,  which  we  did  in  fine  style,  but  not  without  much 
vexatious  experience  in  procuring  rations  and  transportation. 
Comrade  Alexander  was  equal  to  all  the  emergencies,  as  we  have 
ever  found  him  to  be,  not  only  during  his  service,  but  on  all  oc 
casions  since.  We  joined  the  command  with  our  detachment, 


LIEUT.  FENNER  H.  PECKHAM,  JR. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  187 

as  I  recollect,  at  Covington,  Ky.  An  incident  occurred  after  the 
regiment  crossed  the  river  into  Covington  that  threatened  serious 
consequences  to  some  of  our  men  as  well  as  the  colonel,  A  crowd 
of  soldiers  got  into  a  fray  among  themselves,  in  which  bayonets 
were  being  freely  used.  The  colonel,  observing  the  row,  fear 
lessly  threw  himself  with  drawn  sabre  between  the  infuriated 
combatants  as  Othello,  with  sword  in  hand,  threw  himself  upon 
his  lieutenants  engaged  in  unseemly  brawl  in  the  streets  of  Ven 
ice.  He  commanded  them  to  disperse,  but  they  were  in  no  mood 
to  be  interfered  with.  A  colonel,  was,  for  the  moment,  of  no 
more  consequence  than  a  common  soldier.  The  situation  was 
looking  quite  serious  for  him,  when  some  of  our  men  observing 
his  perilous  situation  rushed  in,  and,  with  some  risk  of  personal 
violence,  extricated  him  from  the  mob.  Without  further  ad 
venture  we  reached  Lexington  on  the  -evening  of  the  31st  of 
March,  and  camped  in  the  cars  and  about  the  railroad  station. 
The  most  prominent  object  that  attracted  our  attention  as  day 
light  revealed  our  surroundings,  was  a  tall  shaft  of  white  mar 
ble,  as  1  recollect,  in  the  cemetery  hard  by,  surmounted  by  a 
colossal  statue  of  Kentucky's  great  statesman,  Henry  Clay. 

Lexington  was  the  home  of  this  great  man,  the  idol  of  the  peo 
ple,  whose  death  was  mourned  as  the  death  of  no  other  Ameri 
can  has  ever  been,  save,  perhaps,  Washington  and  Lincoln.  I 
stood  by  his  grave,  upon  which  the  snows  of  but  ten  winters 
had  fallen,  and  wondered  whether  his  great  influence,  which 
would  have  surely  been  thrown  on  the  side  of  the  Union,  would 
have  been  sufficiently  potent  to  have  averted  this  terrible  war. 
It  was  to  his  persuasive  words  and  commanding  eloquence  that 
the  passions  of  men  on  the  great  issue  of  slavery  were  more  than 
once  allayed,  and  the  dread  arbitrament  of  war  averted.  How 
strangely  inconsistent  is  nearly  all  human  action !  At  that  very 
moment,  as  I  reverently  stood  by  the  great  commoner's  grave,  his 
son,  James  Clay,  whose  wife  and  children  occupied  the  ancestral 
home  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  town,  familiar  to  his  country 
men  as  Ashland,  was  fighting  to  destroy  the  government  his  illus 
trious  father  had  done  so  much  to  develop  and  maintain. 

During  the  day  the  regiment  was  marched  through  the  town 
to  a  beautiful  grove  of  beaches,  walnuts  and  maples,  just  beyond 
the  fair  grounds.  On  the  thick  carpet  of  grass,  which  abounds 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

in  both  grove  and  meadow  of  tins  fruitful  garden  spot  of  the 
country,  and  beneath  the  refreshing  shade  of  the  grand  old  trees, 
we  pitched  our  tents. 

From  the  camp  can  be  plainly  seen  amid  the  sylvan  back 
ground  beyond  the  town,  the  majestic  statue  of  Henry  Clay, 
standing  in  stately  repose  upon  the  lofty  apex  of  the  aspiring 
shaft  that  rises  conspicuously  above  the  house  tops  and  sur 
rounding  trees,  while  to  the  right,  a  half-mile  away,  one  catches 
glimpses  through  the  rifts  in  the  budding  foliage  of  the  impos 
ing  outlines  of  the  present  Clay  mansion. 

Late  in  the  afternoon,  just  as  the  boys  had  finished  pitching 
the  tents  and  putting  their  canvas  houses  in  order,  a  horseman 
was  seen  approaching  from  the  direction  of  the  town.  He  was 
clad  in  semi-military  dress  and  wore  a  regulation  cap.  He  was 
mounted  on  a  dark-bay  Kentucky  thoroughbred,  as  graceful  in 
motion,  and  as  symmetrical  of  limb  as  a  wild  antelope,  and  his 
rider  was  none  the  less  shapely  in  figure  or  comely  in  pose.  As 
the  beautiful  animal  came  prancing  and  cavorting  into  camp, 
there  was  such  a  harmony  in  the  figures  and  motions  of  both 
man  and  beast  that  one  was  instinctively  led  to  believe  that  the 
fabled  centaur  was  not  a  myth  after  all. 

Colonel  Browne  stepped  out  and  extended  a  welcome,  and  in 
troduced  the  distinguished  appearing  stranger  to  the  boys  who 
had  gathered  about  him,  as  "Gen.  Leslie  Coombs,  the  lifelong 
friend  of  Henry  Clay."  He  gracefully  saluted  by  raising  his  cap, 
while  his  restive  steed  daintily  pawed  the  ground.  The  colonel 
then  invited  the  general  to  address  us,  a  large  portion  of  the 
regiment  having  by  this  time  been  attracted  to  the  spot.  Doffing 
his  cap  he  poured  forth  an  impassioned  torrent  of  what  might  be 
termed  wild,  woolly  west  eloquence.  It  was  lavishly  punctuated 
with  expressive  swear  words  in  condemnation  of  the  rebels,  and 
in  glorification  of  the  Union  and  the  National  flag.  He  enjoined 
us,  with  grandiloquent  vehemence,  not  to  rest  in  our  efforts  until 
we  had  driven  every  one  of  the  'blank  rebels  from  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee  into  the  great  Mississippi,  and  not  to  cease  driving 
them  until  they  were  all  strangled  in  its  turbid  waters.  As  an 
exhibition  of  rhetorical  gymnastics  I  am  fully  persuaded  it  was 
a  howling  success.  General  Coombs  had  been  a  man  of  com- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  189 

manding  ability  and  of  great  influence  in  his  native  state.  He 
must  have  been  a  man  of  clever  intellect  to  have  enjoyed  the 
friendship  and  confidence  of  the  great  Kentucky  statesman.  He 
married  a  daughter  of  the  founder  of  the  manufacturing  village 
of  Manville,  in  this  State. 

We  tarried  here  in  this  delightful  camp  but  a  week,  and,  just 
as  we  were  beginning  to  live  like  civilized  beings,  we  were  again 
ordered  to  move.     On  Wednesday  morning,  April  the  8th,  the 
brigade  broke  camp,  and,  in  heavy  marching  order,  started  for 
Winchester,  nearly  thirty  miles  away,  as  I  was  told,  although 
Comrade  Grant,  in  his  interesting  little  history  entitled  The  Fly 
ing  Regiment,  says,  "it  was  but  twenty-two  miles."     Whatever 
the  distance  may  have  been,  it  was  a  terribly  exhausting  march. 
It  was  an  excessively  hot  day  and  our  route  of  march  lay  over 
a  macadamized  roadbed,  dusty  and  with  the  sharp  edges  of  em 
bedded  stones  projecting  from  the  hard  surface.     The  men  had 
done  no  marching  to  speak  of  in  six  months.     They  had  not 
marched  far  before  they  began  to  grow  foot-sore,  many  fell  out, 
overcome  by  the  heat  and  dust,  which  rose  in  suffocating  clouds. 
It  was  to  every  intent  and  purpose  a  forced  march  without  any 
sufficient  cause  for  thus  taxing  the  energies  of  the  men.     Owing 
to  the  absence  of  General  Nagle,  Colonel  Griffin,  of  the  Sixth 
New  Hampshire,  as  senior  officer,  succeeded  to  the  command. 
What  can  have  been  his  motive,  I  cannot,  to  this  day,  understand. 
As  I  look  back  and  recall  the  sufferings  of  the  men  on  that  march 
I  cannot  but  think  it  was  an  act  of  cruelty.     Had  an  emergency 
existed  which  required  the  men  to  be  at  a  given  place  at  a  given 
time,  they  would  have  cheerfully  undergone  any  hardship  to  have 
reached  the  position.     Captain  Allen  and  myself,  so  spent  that 
we  could  hardly  get  one  foot  before  the  other,  as  the  twilight 
was  giving  way  to  darkness,  looked  about  us  and  found  we  had 
no  command.     Seeing  a  house  near  by  we  concluded  we  would, 
at  the  risk  of  being  court-martialed,  spend  the  night  there,  if 
they  would  take  us  in.  We  found  the  people  hospitably  inclined. 
They  gave  us  a  good  supper  and  a  good  sweet  bed  to  sleep  in.  We 
arose  early  in  the  morning,  partook  of  an  inviting  breakfast  and 
hurried  to  camp,  which  was  fortunately  not  far  away,  in  a  beau 
tiful  grove  just  beyond  Winchester,  much  like  the  one  we  had 


190  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

left  in  Lexington.  We  found  the  people  very  hospitable  about 
here,  and  a  strong  Union  sentiment  pervading  the  community. 
The  country  through  which  we  had  marched  was  a  portion  of  the 
far-famed  blue  grass  region.  It  is  truly  a  country  flowing  with 
milk  and  honey.  We  lived  on  the  fat  of  the  land, — I  mean  those 
who  had  the  wherewithal  to  buy.  The  rations  supplied  by  the 
quartermaster's  department  were  the  same  old  pork  and  hard 
tack,  which  forms  the  soldier's  chief  bill  of  fare. 

If  I  relate  to  you  the  experiences  of  one  of  the  lieutenants  of 
the  regiment  with  Kentucky  greased  lightning,,  I  pray  you  "Tell 
it  not  in  Gath,  and  publish  it  not  in  the  streets  of  Askelon." 
Confident  that  you  will  treat  it  as  a  family  secret,  I  will  relate 
something  of  the  experiences  of  this  victim  to  the  stealthy  po 
tency  of  Kentucky's  favorite  if  not  famous  product. 

This  lieutenant,  among  whose  raven  locks  were  then  mingled 
no  silver  threads,  and  whose  eyes  required  no  aid  from  the  op 
tician's  skill,  having  been  detailed  on  picket  duty,  was  posted 
out  on  the  Boonesboro  road,  about  two  miles  from  the  camp 
near  Winchester.  Late  in  the  evening  the  lieutenant,  who 
was  on  the  alert  to  discover  any  lurking  enemy,  hearing  a 
suspicious  noise  over  the  fence  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road,  called  the  attention  of  the  guard  to  it,  who,  after 
listening  a  moment,  declared  that  he  was  mistaken,  that 
there  was  nothing  there  more  than  some  stray  razor-back.  But 
presently  the  quick  ear  of  the  lieutenant  caught  the  cautious  foot 
fall  of  some  one  approaching  and  called  upon  the  guard  to  chal 
lenge,  whereupon,  through  the  fence,  came  these  words,  in  a 
scared,  faint  voice:  "Dars  only  one  ob  us  Marsa!"  The  lieu 
tenant  ordered  him  to  get  right  over  the  fence,  which  he  did  in 
double-quick  time.  Much  to  the  joy  of  the  boys  he  had  a  basket 
well-laden  with  delicious  fried  chicken,  baked  chicken,  biscuits 
spread  with  sweet  rosy  butter,  pies,  cakes,  and,  snugly  sand 
wiched  in  between  these  appetizing  good  things,  was  a  quart  bot 
tle  of  rich,  amber-colored  liquid,  which  is  at  once  the  joy  and 
pride  of  the  native  dwellers  in  the  Blue  Grass  regions  of  Ken 
tucky. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  add  that  the  lieutenant  as  a  military 
precaution  to  avoid  demoralization  among  his  command,  at  once 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  191 

took  steps  to  confiscate  the  commissary  stores,  but  generously 
permitted  the  men  to  take  possession  of  the  eatables. 

The  darkey  was  suitably  rewarded  and  departed  into  the  thick 
darkness  of  the  night,  the  whites  of  his  eyes  and  teeth  only  being 
visible  as  he  turned  his  sable  face  towards  the  men  and  joyously 
cried:  "Good  night,  Marsa!" 

The  lieutenant,  chilled  by  the  cold  night  wind  and  impatient 
to  sample  the  subtle  contents  of  his  treasure,  drew  the  cork  and 
took  a  long  and  hearty  pull  at  the  inspiration  contained  therein. 
He  could  feel  its  seductive  influence  spreading  through  his  veins 
and  mounting  in  exhilarating  volume  to  his  brain.  He  ceased  to 
wonder  that  the  Blue  Grass  country  is  the  elysium  of  the  true- 
born  Kentuckian.  At  break  of  day  he  took  another  gentle  pull, 
and,  before  he  returned  to  camp,  the  other  one  seemed  so 
delicious  in  flavor,  so  transporting,  and  so  entirely  free  from  the 
crude  harshness  which  we  are  told  characterizes  the  ordinary 
tanglefoot,  that,  unsuspectingly,  he  raised  the  insidious  enemy 
of  human  hopes  and  ambitions,  and,  gluing  his  lips  to  the  con 
venient  aperture  provided  therefor,  permitted  the  subtle  fluid,  to 
the  music  of  its  unctuous  gurgle,  to  trickle  in  titillating  volume 
down  his  thirsty  esophagus,  and  flood  the  vacant  regions  of  his 
inner  man. 

He  returned  to  camp  with  his  command  but  he  did  not  march. 
His  feet,  like  Mercury's,  were  winged.  They  spurned  the  sor 
did  earth.  He  was  borne  in  an  ecstasy  of  delicious  enchantment 
among  the  clouds.  He  alighted  in  camp  and  was  dismissed  with 
the  command.  Having  been  on  duty  during  the  previous  night 
he  was  entitled  to  a  day  off,  but  he  was  in  no  mood  for  further 
recreation.  He  was  beginning  to  feel  that  temporary  retirement 
was  the  most  appropriate  condition  to  assume  that  he  might  pre 
pare  for  the  recoil  of  the  electric  motor  with  which  he  had  un 
suspectingly  monkeyed.  It  is  a  very  grand  and  a  very  impres 
sive  spectacle  to  behold  the  lightnings  leaping  and  flashing  among 
the  clouds,  but  one  needs  to  be  extremely  cautious  how  he  loads 
up  with  bottled  extract  of  trolley  wire  thunderbolts.  It  is  said 
that  death  does  not  result  from  an  electrical  discharge,  but  that 
it  only  causes  a  suspension  of  animation,  while  there  are  unau- 
thenticated  traditions  that  Kentuckians  have,  in  the  use  of  their 


192  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

native  beverage,  relapsed  into  semi-unconsciousness,  yet  the 
record  is  overburdened  with  instances  of  inhabitants  of  this  de 
lectable  country  becoming  so  charged  as  to  become  a  flaming 
lightning  stroke.  Our  lieutenant  suffered  nothing  more  serious 
than  a  head  some  sizes  larger  than  he  was  accustomed  to  wear. 
Between  the  throbbing  aches,  incident  to  a  head  suddenly  en 
larged  to  such  proportions,  he  lapsed  into  serious  reflections  upon 
the  vanities  and  vexations  of  human  things,  and  then  and  there 
resolved  that  under  no  circumstances  would  he  again  be  induced 
to  fool  round  Kentucky  greased  lightning. 

As  on  former  occasions,  just  as  we  had  become  wonted  to  our 
camp  and  its  surroundings,  and  had  formed  pleasant  acquaint 
ances  among  the  people,  the  inexorable  decrees  of  war  ordered  us 
to  move  on.  On  the  evening  of  the  16th  of  April  we  struck  tents 
and  swung  down  the  Boonsboro  road  en  route  for  Richmond. 
We  crossed  the  Kentucky  Eiver  at  a  ferry  near  the  home  of  Dan 
iel  Boone,  the  intrepid  hunter  and  pioneer  settler  of  early  Ken 
tucky  days.  The  banks  of  the  Kentucky  River  at  this  point  are 
a  deep  mountain  gorge.  We  had  been  passing  through  a  delight 
ful  section,  without  any  appearance  of  a  mountainous  country, 
when  we  suddenly  came  upon  the  edge  of  a  mighty  canon  or 
gorge,  extending  many  hundreds  of  feet  down  to  where  the  river 
flowed  silently  along  in  the  shadows  of  its  precipitous  sides.  The 
road  zigzagged  down  to  the  ferry  so  that  it  was  of  comparatively 
easy  descent.  Here  were  two  old-fashioned  flatboats  or  scows, 
which  were  used  for  ferrying  the  troops  over.  These  were  pro 
pelled  across  by  men  pushing  with  long  poles  against  the  bottom 
of  the  river  which  was  quite  shallow  at  this  point.  In  disem 
barking  the  teams,  a  number  of  horses  and  mules  and  some  of 
their  drivers  fell  overboard,  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  men. 
After  toiling  up  the  cliff,  which  was  less  precipitous  than  on  the 
opposite  side,  we  struck  out  into  the  same  beautiful  country  as 
that  through  which  we  had  passed  on  the  other  side  of  the  river. 
The  air  was  fragrant  with  the  perfume  of  peach  blossoms  and 
the  freshness  of  verdure-clad  meadows  and  of  expanding  foliage. 
We  reached  Richmond  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  and  encamped 
in  another  beautiful  grove  of  giant  trees,  two  miles  from  the 
town.  The  ground  was  thickly  carpeted  with  the  indigenous 
blue  grass  of  the  country. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  193 

On  this  ground  was  fought,  in  the  August  previous,  the  battle 
of  Richmond,  in  which  our  forces,  under  Generals  Mason  and 
Craft,  were  defeated  by  the  Confederates  under  Kirby  Smith. 
The  Union  forces  lost  200  killed,  250  wounded,  and  2,000  prison 
ers.  The  Confederates  lost  250  killed  and  500  wounded.  They 
outnumbered  our  troops  four  to  one.  The  trees  and  fences  bore 
the  marks  of  the  battle,  and,  in  the  cemetery  near  by  the  grave 
stones  were  thickly  spattered  with  the  marks  of  bullets. 

Here  my  narrative  ends,  and  I  leave  it  to  others  to  chronicle 
the  wearisome  marches  and  countermarches  under  a  burning 
Kentucky  sun,  the  ceaseless  vigils  and  the  hot  pursuits  after  the 
wily  Morgan,  and  finally  the  return,  after  nearly  a  year's  absence 
of  active  service,  to  your  homes  and  familiar  scenes. 

The  regiment  may  well  be  proud  of  its  record.  It  was  in  al 
most  constant  service  during  its  nine  months  and  more  in  the  field. 
It  traveled  over  3,500  miles,  500  of  which  were  on  foot.  When  it 
marched  from  home  it  numbered  near  a  thousand  men.  It  re 
turned  with  about  seven  hundred  of  that  number.  It  lost  in 
killed  and  through  wounds  and  disease,  quite  two  hundred  and 
fifty  men. 

In  closing,  I  will,  with  your  permission,  read  the  following 
verses  which  I  clipped  from  the  Evening  Press  of  July  22,  1863, 
and  entitled : 

WELCOME  TO  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 

Hail !  gallant  Twelfth  !  ye  soldiers  true  ! 
With  happy  hearts  we  welcome  you  ! 
Once  more  we  greet  our  friends  so  dear, 
Whose  presence  many  a  heart  will  cheer. 

Your  flag  still  waves  !     O,  flaunt  it  high  ! 
The  flag  by  which  to  stand  and  die  ! 
The  dangers  braved,  our  cause  sustained, 
The  people's  honor  ye  have  gained. 

Full  many  a  toilsome  march  ye  bore, 
With  scanty  rations  oft  your  store  ; 
But  on,  still  on,  till  night  brought  rest, 
Then  sought  repose  on  earth's  cold  breast. 

For  all  the  toils  and  dangers  past, 
Ye  shall  receive  reward  at  last; 
Peace  sits  enthroned  above  each  grave, 
Where  sleeps  in  death  a  soldier  brave. 
13 


194  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

A  prayer  for  those  who  mourn  to-day 
For  those  whom  death  has  borne  away; 
Whose  loved  one  fell  in  bloody  strife, 
Where  many  a  hero  gave  his  life. 

May  they  find  comfort  now  in  Him 
Who  bids  us  hope  when  faith  grows  dim 
Tho'  o'er  their  homes  a  gloom  is  cast, 
They1 11  meet  again  in  Heaven  at  last. 


PART  THIRD 


LIEUT.  CHARLES  M.  WINCHESTER. 

1   v  Stato  ;  • 


MEMORIES  AND  MEMORANDA  OF  THE  TWELFTH  RHODE 

ISLAND     REGIMENT    IN    GENERAL    AND 

COMPANY  B  IN  PARTICULAR. 

BY  THE  REV.  CHARLES  M.  WINCHESTER, 

FIRST    SERGEANT,    SECOND    LIEUTENANT,    AND    CLERK    OF    COMPANY    B.,    AND 

SPECIAL  CORRESPONDENT  OF  THE  PROVIDENCE  "  EVENING  PRESS,"  UNDER 

THE  EDITORIAL  MANAGEMENT  OF  HON.  AND  REV.  SIDNEY  DEAN. 


BEING  cordially  invited  to  render  some  aid  in  preparing  the 
history  of  our  glorious  "Trotting  Twelfth"  it  was  far  easier  to 
consent  than  to  do  the  work,  for  after  forty  years  have  come  and 
gone  since  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  time  has  made  such 
changes  that  one  knows  hardly  how  or  where  to  begin  or  when  to 
leave  off.  Consequently,  the  title  I  have  selected  gives  me  a  sort 
of  roving  commission  and  much  liberty. 

If  the  personal  pronoun  I  is  used  frequently  it  must  be  under 
stood  as  being  used  of  necessity,  and  not  in  the  sense  of  "Big 
I  and  little  you."  . 

RECRUITING  OF  COMPANY  B. 

When  the  call  to  arms  to  save  the  country  rose  with  clarion 
voice  that  startled  the  whole  North,  the  writer  was  bookkeeper 
and  clerk  in  a  grain  and  shipping  house  in  Providence  and  also 
pastor  of  the  South  Providence  (now  St.  Paul's)  Methodist  Epis 
copal  Church.  By  holding  these  two  positions  he  was  sometimes 
called  "the  priest-clerk"  by  his  friends  from  the  Emerald  Island. 
One  Sunday  afternoon  when  the  recruits  were  being  raised  that 
made  up  our  regiment,  I  startled  the  whole  congregation,  then 
assembled  in  the  hall,  by  making  a  few  remarks  on  the  need  of 
patriotic  men  for  the  salvation  of  our  glorious  country  in  her 
hour  of  peril,  closing  with  considerable  earnestness  by  saying: 
"Boys,  let's  go ;  I'll  go  with  you." 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

The  next  day,  James  M.  Longstreet,  afterwards  captain  of 
Company  B,  and  myself,  pitched  a  tent,  close  to  the  preaching 
place,  and  soon  enrolled  nearly  all  the  young  men  of  that  vicin 
ity  who  were  capable  of  bearing  arms.  Albert  W.  Delanah, 
afterwards  lieutenant,  soon  joined  us  and  rendered  valuable  aid 
in  inducing  his  friends  to  go  with  us.  Shall  I  ever  forget  how 
the  mothers  of  some  of  those  boys  came  to  me  with  hearts  full 
of  patriotism  and  maternal  love,  and  committed  their  boys  to 
the  minister's  care,  exacting  a  promise  that  I  would  watch  over 
them. 

The  confidence  thus  exhibited  was  such  that  after  all  these 
years  the  memory  of  it  moves  deeply  those  God-given  fountains 
of  tenderness  which  means  so  much  that  although  felt  cannot 
be  expressed.  .  .  . 

After  we  had  gleaned  well  our  field  and  gathered  a  fine  body 
of  young  men,  a  few  more  were  needed  to  fill  the  company,  and 
the  number  necessary  was  furnished  from  South  Kingstown- 
several  of  them  great  brawny  six-footers — steady,  strong,  and 
true,  easily  took  the  right  of  the  line,  so  that  in  a  regiment 
made  of  the  best  material,  Company  B  was  equal  to  the  general 
average,  and  that  is  saying  much  for  when  one  of  the  Twelfth 
thinks  of  his  comrades,  from  our  really  great  Col.  George  H. 
Browne — all  along  the  line  of  1,040  men — the  make-up  was  equal 
to  any  regiment  that  ever  followed  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  whose 
glory  has  now  gone  around  the  world,  sometimes  making  its 
stripes  felt,  never  losing,  but  continually  adding  stars  to  its  field 
of  heavenly  blue. 

Looking  backward  after  all  these  years,  I  am  confirmed  in  my 
opinion  that  three  better  men  never  officered  a  company  than 
Captain  James  M.  Longstreet  and  Lieutenants  Oscar  Lapham 
and  Albert  W.  Delanah,  who  had  the  oversight  of  Company  B  in 
such  good  form  as  to  win  the  love  and  confidence  of  all. 

Before  leaving  for  the  South,  Hon.  and  Rev.  Sidney  Dean, 
editor  of  the  Providence  Evening  Press,  asked  me  to  favor  him 
with  news  of  the  regiment,  which  I  tried  to  do,  and  the  letters, 
although  somewhat  crude  in  style,  were  eagerly  read  by  the 
friends  at  home,  and  with  almost  equal  interest  by  the  regiment 
when  the  papers  reached  us,  as  they  were  mailed  to  us  every 
day,  so  that  sometimes,  when  the  mail  caught  up  with  us,  we 
had  enough  to  fill  a  peck  measure,  and  all  found  plenty  of 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  199 

readers.  A  word  about  the  pen  name  under  which  I  wrote  may 
be  interesting.  Coming  into  the  world  in  a  very  rural  district  in 
New  Hampshire,  my  good  parents  generously  gave  all  their 
twelve  children  three  names  each.  Possibly  to  inspire  me  with 
genius,  they  fashioned  my  middle  name  after  a  great  painter 
(of  houses),  Miruck.  So  when  I  wrote  my  first  war  letter  I 
signed  it  with  my  middle  name,  but  the  typesetter  made  it  read 
Minnick,  so  after  that  I  signed  it  that  way,  since  the  correspond 
ent,  by  any  name,  was  looked  up  to  as  a  sort  of  saint,  especially 
when  the  mail  brought  the  Press,  which  was  free  for  the  use  of 
the  whole  blessed  regiment.  Had  I  known  as  much  of  news 
papers  as  I  do  now,  I  would  easily  have  arranged  for  several 
papers  to  be  sent  daily  to  each  company. 

The  Providence  Evening  Press  ceased  to  exist  some  years  ago, 
and,  as  I  had  no  copies  of  the  letters,  I  was  without  any  material 
save  a  memory  somewhat  out  of  repair.  Recently,  however,  my 
son  Henry  found  the  files  of  the  Press  in  the  Journal  office,  and 
to  the  Journal  people  for  their  courtesy,  and  to  Comrade  Pardon 
E.  Tillinghast,  who  had  the  letters  copied  and  typewritten,  I  am 
under  great  obligations. 

After  a  brief  camp  experience  on  Dexter  Training  Ground 
the  time  came  to  say  "Good-bye."  Since  the  war  many  of  us 
learned  to  sing  a  new  song:  "We'll  never  say  good-bye  in 
Heaven";  but  when  the  Twelfth  left  for  the  seat  of  war  there 
were  many  good-byes  said  that  will  last  till  the  meeting  with 
the  loved  ones,  "Over  there,  just  over  there."  Fathers,  mothers, 
brothers,  sisters,  wives,  and  sweethearts  pressed  the  hand  and 
kissed  tear-washed  faces,  and  embraced  the  dear  forms  that 
were  "more  precious  than  gold  tried  in  the  fire,"  and  then  the 
fast-rushing  train  bore  us  away.  The  first  exciting  experience, 
as  I  remember  it,  was  when  we  marched  through  Baltimore. 
Proudly  we  bore  ourselves,  keeping  such  step  as  regulars  might 
well  envy,  desiring  to  show  at  our  best,  that  the  reputation  of 
"Little  Rhody"  might  receive  new  lustre  by  our  conduct. 

November,  1862,  found  us  in  Camp  Casey,  near  Fairfax  Sem 
inary,  Va.,  named  after  General  Silas  Casey,  commanding  our 
division  of  the  Ninth  Army  Corps.  The  location  was  a  charm 
ing  one,  with  a  landscape  of  uncommon  beauty,  with  hill  and 
dale  and  running  brook,  and,  beyond  all,  our  eyes  could  see  the 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Potomac,  whose  waters  had  been  many  times  reddened  with  the 
patriotic  blood  of  heroes  as  grand  as  any  country  ever  knew. 
Directly  in  front  of  our  camp,  a  little  more  than  a  mile  dis 
tant,  was  the  city  of  Alexandria,  where,  when  treason  first 
showed  its  hydra-head,  gallant  Ellsworth,  in  command  of  the 
Zouave  column,  fell  a  noble  martyr  to  freedom.  We  had  many 
fine  singers  in  the  regiment,  and,  viewing  the  place  where  he 
gave  his  all  for  his  country,  we  joined  with  heart  and  voice  in 
the  grand  chorus  of  the  song : 

ELLSWOKTH'S  AVENGERS. 

"  Strike,  freemen,  for  the  Union, 
Sheathe  your  swords  no  more, 
While  in  arms  remains  a  traitor, 
On  Columbia's  shore." 

At  Camp  Casey  we  had  our  first  regular  post  office,  with  good 
Chaplain  Field  as  postmaster  and  Willie  Clarke  assistant.  They 
often  handled  seven  hundred  or  more  pieces  of  mail  in  a  day. 

While  encamped  here,  in  company  with  a  certain  quartermas 
ter-sergeant  I  spent  a  Saturday  night  at  a  genuine  fancy  (col 
ored)  dress  ball.  It  was  held  in  a  regular  "Uncle  Tom's  Cabin." 
Seated  on  a  table  in  one  corner  of  the  room  was  a  fine  specimen^ 
of  the  Southern  contraband,  and  such  music  as  he  sawed  out  of 
that  old  fiddle  made  you  cry  and  laugh  all  at  one  time.  Some 
twenty  or  more  of  the  swell  belles  and  beaux — the  ladies,  at 
least  some  of  them,  had  gay  calico  dresses  cut  decollete,  and  the 
gentlemen — well,  I  won't  undertake  to  describe  them,  but  I 
think  they  were  in  evening  dress.  The  dancing, — how  they  did 
break  it  down.  I  remember  the  words  and  music  of  one  of  the 
songs  they  sang,  keeping  time  with  hands,  feet,  heads,  every 
thing.  It  went  like  this: 

"•  Row  Mr.  Caney,  row, 
Row  Mr.  Caney,  row, 
Er-row,  er-row, 
Row  Mr.  Caney,  row.1' 

It  was  simply  great,  and  never  to  be  forgotten.  Imagine  the 
feelings,  if  you  can,  that  came  over  me  years  after  as,  in  an 
entertainment  in  New  York  city,  some  "burnt  cork"  artists 
danced  a  real  "Virginny"  breakdown  and  sang: 


RHODE    ISLAND   VOLUNTEERS  201 

"  Row  Mr.  Caney,  row, 
Er-row,  er-row." 

From  the  ridiculous  to  the  sublime  is  not  far,  and  the  next 
day  being  Sunday,  in  the  evening  we  attended  a  prayer-meeting 
in  the  same  cabin.  It  was  more  ridiculous  than  sublime,  at 
least  one  part  of  it.  After  the  leading  spirits  had  exercised 
their  gifts,  exhorted  and  testified,  there  was  a  long  pause.  When 
it  got  pretty  tedious,  one  of  the  queerest  specimens  of  the  de 
scendants  of  Ham  imaginable  rose  to  the  occasion  and  delivered 
himself  of  this  chunk  of  wisdom:  "If  I  'fessed  what  some  of 
you  'fess  I  would  say  something;  but  as  I  don't  'fess  nothing, 
I  won't  say  nothing."  It  came  as  near  making  me  "snicker"  as 
when  On  a  certain  occasion  at  an  anniversary  of  a  temperance 
society  at  home,  where  the  good-souled  but  ignorant  chaplain 
(a  white  brother)  prayed  "Lord  bless  us  on  this  Second  Anni- 
versity,"  as  he  warmed  up.  Again  and  again  he  prayed,  each 
time  more  fervently,  about  the  "Second  Anniversity."  A  friend 
of  my  boyhood,  now  an  honored  citizen  of  Providence,  who  was 
with  me  that  night  in  meeting,  smiled  till  he  cried.  He  will 
laugh  and  cry  again  at  this  recital  of  the  long  time  ago. 

Did  anything  ever  go  straighter  to  our  hearts  than  the  first 
funeral  in  the  regiment?  George  E.  Richardson,  of  Company 
B,  a  good  boy,  a  genial  comrade,  son  of  fond  parents,  fell  a  vic 
tim  to  fever,  and  his  dear  spirit  went  to  the  God  who  gave  it. 
We  formed  the  funeral  procession  and  marched  slowly  and  sadly 
to  the  tune  "Buoying  Waters,"  played  by  one  or  more  fifes,  while 
the  snare  drum,  muffled,  sounded  more  doleful  than  any  sound 
that  ever  filled  our  ears.  On  to  a  quiet  resting-place,  where  a 
grave  had  been  prepared,  we  bore  George,  and,  after  a  few  Avords 
and  a  prayer  by  the  chaplain,  we  lowered  him  into  the  lonely 
grave  to  sleep  alone,  with  only  the  angels  to  keep  watch.  The 
march  back  to  camp  to  the  rollicking  tune,  "The  girl  I  left  be 
hind  me,"  jarred  harshly  on  our  nerves,  but  we  soon  learned  that 
we  were  following  a  custom  intended  to  make  us  forget,  if  pos 
sible,  the  sadness,  which  is  bad  enough  at  home,  surrounded  with 
the  loved  ones,  but  is  more  intense  when  in  the  enemy's  country. 


202  HISTORY  OP  THE  TWELFTH  REGIMENT 

FREDERICKSBURG. 

Passing  over  many  interesting  events,  let  me  take  my  readers 
to  camp  in  front  of  Predericksburg.  It  is  December,  1862.  We 
are  on  a  hill  that  slopes  gently  to  the  Kappahannock,  and  across 
the  little  stream  is  soon  to  be  a  slaughter  almost  unparalleled 
for  its  extent  and  the  ferocity  with  which  both  sides  will  combat 
for  cherished  principles — the  North  for  union,  the  South  for 
state  rights  and  secession. 

After  forty  years,  it  is  well  that  both  sides  see  in  each  other 
heroic  devotion,  according  to  the  light  of  each.  Had  we  of  the 
Twelfth  been  born  south  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  line,  our  view 
point  would  have  been  as  the  large  majority  of  the  South  found 
theirs. 

Dec.  12,  1862,,  we  were  in  readiness  to  cross  the  pontoon 
bridges,  which  were  completed  only  the  day  before,  owing  to 
the  delay  in  forwarding  them  from  Washington  caused  by  a 
misunderstanding  as  to  who  was  to  attend  to  the  shipment  of 
boats  and  material  necessary.  General  Burnside  and  his  subor- 
dinate  officers  agreed  that  had  the  pontoons  arrived  sooner,  the 
well-laid  plans  would  have  secured  a  great  victory  instead  of 
the  awful  defeat,  for  had  our  army  been  able  to  get  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Rappahannock  before  Lee  concentrated  the  Confed 
erate  forces  there,  we  should  have  had  no  trouble  in  securing 
control  of  the  city  and  Marye's  Hill.  The  laying  of  the  three 
pontoons  at  the  front  of  the  city,  and  two  where  Franklin  was 
to  cross  two  miles  below,  cost  the  Union  army  three  hundred 
brave  men.  Many  of  our  comrades  may  not  have  heard  of  the 
gallantry  of  a  little  Michigan  drummer  boy  in  connection  with 
the  building  of  the  pontoon  bridges.  His  name  was  Eobert  H. 
Hendershot.  He  was  twelve  years  old.  On  the  llth  day  of 
December,  1862,  when  volunteers  were  called  for  to  cross  the 
river  in  the  open  pontoon  boats  to  drive  back  the  Mississippi 
sharpshooters  who  made  it  impossible  for  the  engineers  to  finish 
the  pontoons,  slinging  his  drum  over  his  back,  this  little 
patriot  volunteered,  and  jumped  into  one  of  the  boats.  His 
captain  ordered  him  back,  saying,  "You  are  too  small  for  such 
work."  "May  1  help  push  off  the  boat?"  said  Eobert.  '"Yes," 
said  the  captain,  and,  clinging  to  the  boat  he  let  it  drag  him 
across  the  stream.  Manv  of  the  men  in  the  boat  were  killed, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  203 

and,  as  the  brave  boy  climbed  the  bank,  his  drum  was  torn  to 
pieces  by  a  piece  of  shell.  Undaunted  he  seized  a  musket  be 
longing  to  one  of  his  dead  companions  and  fought  bravely  with 
the  rest  of  the  survivors,  who  drove  the  sharpshooters  from  cover 
and  captured  nearly  one  hundred  of  them. 

Burnside  gave  the  boy  great  honor,  and  the  New  York  Tribune 
Association  gave  him  a  splendid  new  drum,  and  the  proprietor 
of  Eastman's  Business  College  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  gave  him 
a  home  and  a  fine  education. 

While  waiting  for  our  turn  to  come  to  cross,  we  saw  a  regi 
ment  march  on  to  the  bridge,  with  flying  colors,  its  band  play 
ing.  When  they  neared  the  middle  of  the  bridge  a  shower  of 
shot  and  shell  from  the  batteries  on  Marye's  Hill  sent  them 
across  the  bridge  "double-quick,"  the  band  meanwhile  forgetting 
to  finish  the  tune. 

Since  coming  to  Middletown,  I  learned  that  the  regiment  re 
ferred  to  was  the  glorious  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  New 
York  ("Orange  Blossoms"),  and  in  the  more  than  twenty-five 
years  that  I  have  met  those  comrades  in  Grand  Army  of  the  Re 
public  and  other  veteran  associations,  and  on  Memorial  Days, 
the  warm  side  of  my  heart  for  veterans  in  general  has  encircled 
more  firmly  the  "Orange  Blossoms"  in  particular. 

The  Twelfth  crossed  the  pontoons  in  good  form,  and  we  had 
only  just  reached  the  other  side  when  we  saw  the  first  dead 
rebels  lying  on  the  bank  in  their  faded  coats  of  gray.  It  was  a 
gruesome  sight,  but  war  is  not  a  pleasure  excursion,  as  we  soon 
found  out  in  the  death-trap  set  for  us  by  our  gallant  and  in 
trepid  foe,  General  Lee.  Once  in  the  streets  of  Fredericksburg, 
we  discovered  what  work  of  destruction  our  batteries  on  Stafford 
Heights  had  wrought,  for,  on  the  previous  day,  our  Burnside 
had  ordered  them  to  open  fire  on  the  city,  and  batter  it  down  if 
necessary  in  order  to  make  way  for  us  to  cross.  More  than 
one  hundred  great  cannon  had  fired  fifty  rounds  each,  shattering 
many  fine  buildings  and  setting  the  city  on  fire  in  several  places. 
The  ruins  were  still  smoking,  the  streets  were  filled  with  hastily 
removed  furniture  and  merchandise  of  every  kind.  The  inhabi 
tants  had  fled,  the  desolation  was  complete.  But  for  the  stern 
necessities  of  war,  the  thoughts  of  those  broken-up  homes,  with 
all  that  such  thoughts  embraced,  would  be  indeed  heartbreaking. 
But  a  soldier's  business  is  obedience,  and  no  time  or  space  must 


204  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

be  given  to  pity  for  our  enemies,  till  they  are  subdued  or  we  are 
defeated. 

We  slept  that  night  on  the  stone  sidewalks  of  Fredericksburg, 
on  which  there  was  a  slight  covering  of  snow,  expecting  that 
any  moment  we  might  be  roused  from  our  sweet  dreams  of  home 
to  try  conclusions  with  eighty  thousand  of  the  choice  sons  of 
the  South,  who,  added  to  the  fact  that  they  occupied  an  almost 
impregnable  position,  realized  that  behind  them  were  all  the 
loved  of  earth  calling  for  protection.  Under  all  the  circum 
stances,  although  we  of  the  North  counted  one  hundred  thousand 
under  Sumner,  Franklin,  and  Hooker,  so  great  were  the  odds 
against  us  that  it  was  in  reality  as  if  the  Confederates  had  ten 
men  to  our  one. 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th  our  regiment  was  formed  in  line 
of  battle  in  one  of  the  principal  streets  of  the  city,  with  orders 
to  advance  in  as  good  order  as  possible  through  dooryards  anc? 
cross-streets  until  we  were  outside  the  limits,  then  to  pro 
tect  ourselves  under  banks  or  behind  fences  or  whatever 
shelter  we  could  find  until  we  received  orders  to  advance 
to  the  battlefield  directly  in  front  of  us.  The  order  was 
strictly  obeyed,  and  the  Twelfth  marched  with  promptness 
unsurpassed  by  old  regulars  as  near  the  the  place  desig 
nated  as  the  many  obstacles  would  permit.  I  well  remem 
ber,  as  we  went  through  the  old  railroad  bed,  how  the  guns  on 
the  hill  threw  shot  and  shell,  pieces  of  railroad  iron,  and  "any 
old  thing,"  with  a  carelessness  that  we  little  relished.  A  shot 
struck  the  haversack  of  one  of  the  big  six-footers  just  behind  me 
at  the  right  of  Company  B,  emptying  all  the  rations  on  the 
ground  and  saving  the  comrade's  life  at  the  same  time.  As  we 
marched  steadily  on,  I  heard  him  remark,  without  a  quiver  in 
his  deep-toned  voice,  "I  wish  you'd  leave  me  some  of  my  hard 
tack." 

We  got  outside  the  city  at  last,  but  when  the  order  to  advance 
was  given,  only  a  few  companies  knew  anything  of  the  fact,  the 
regimental  line  being  broken.  Learning  that  the  right  of  the 
regiment  had  advanced,  Captains  Longstreet  and  Kogers  held  a 
consultation,  and  decided  that  to  advance  farther  in  that  direc 
tion  would  only  be  throwing  their  men's  lives  away  to  no  pur 
pose,  and  so  ordered  us  to  lie  d^wn  under  cover  of  a  slight  bank. 
Here  I  saw  some  of  the  most  sad  scenes  of  my  whole  life;  over 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS 


205 


us  and  falling  all  around  us  was  a  perfect  storm  of  shot,  shell, 
bullets,  shell,  bullets,  and  railroad  iron,  screeching,  screaming, 
whizzing,  tearing  the  ground  and  wounding,  maiming,  and  kill 
ing  many,  who,  unable  to  fire  a  musket,  were  good  targets  for 
the  enemy's  engines  of  destruction.  Just  as  we  reached  this 
spot,  Gen.  Thomas  Francis  Meagher,  at  the  head  of  his  brigade, 
composed  chiefly  of  Irish  regiments,  rushed  by  like  a  hurricane 
let  loose,  and  I  heard  the  brave  general,  with  voice  like  one  "mad 
clear  through,"  shout  above  the  noise  of  the  battle,  "Go  in,  'boys, 
and  give  'em  liell!" 

Time  after  time  did  this  enthusiastic  leader  of  the  boys  who 
sang  "Wearing  of  the  Green,"  hurl  his  famous  regiments  against 
the  force  of  rebels  at  the  stone  wall  without  success,  until  two- 
thirds  of  his  men  covered  the  field,  wounded,  bleeding,  dying.  .  .  . 

Some  idea  of  the  position  occupied  by  the  portion  of  the 
Twelfth  who  were  under  fire  but  could  not  return  it,  may  be 
gathered  when  I  saw  that  all  about  us  were  mingled  the  dead 
the  dying.  One  poor  fellow  lay  just  beside  me  with  one  arm 
shot  nearly  off.  Such  agony  as  he  endured!  He  begged  for 
water  to  quench  the  burning  thirst  which  seemed  as  if  taking 
his  very  life.  Thank  God,  my  canteen  was  not  empty,  and  I  put 
it  to  his  lips  and  for  a  brief  time  gave  him  a  little  rest.  Brave 
men  came  from  the  field  wounded,  seeking  a  place  of  shelter, 
and  when  near  us  a  rebel  shot  or  shell  would  strike  them  to 
the  earth,  shattered  and  mangled  beyond  recognition.  I  saw 
one  w^ounded  comrade  here  trying  to  find  a  place  of  safety,  when 
a  ball  struck  him,  and  as  he  fell  I  heard  him  cry:  "Oh,  God! 
Some  one  take  care  of  my  wife  and  children !" 

A  great  general  once  said,  "War  is  Hell!"  The  experience  of 
Dec.  13,  1862,  confirms  me  in  his  statement. 

As  night  came  on  we  found  our  way  back  to  the  city  street, 
where  we  had  lain  on  our  arms  the  previous  night.  That  any  of 
us  were  left  to  tell  the  story  was  not  the  fault  of  the  Confed 
erates  on  Marye's  Hill,  for  they  speeded  the  parting  with  a  tor 
nado  of  shot  and  shell,  not  forgetting  the  chunks  of  iron  rails, 
that  made  a  whizzing  noise  not  yet  forgotten. 

We  did  not  exactly  "beat  a  hasty  retreat,"  but  we  did  not 
take  any  more  time  than  needful  to  get  out  of  such  careless  use 
of  firearms.  It  was  at  this  time  that,  among  others,  Billy 


206  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Mason,  of  Company  B,  received  a  mortal  wound.  He  was  car 
ried  to  the  hospital,  and  we  were  never  able  to  find  a  trace  of 
him  afterwards.  Poor  Billy!  He  was  full  of  fun,  and  bubbled 
over  with  quaint  sayings  like  this: 

"John  me  mon,  me  money's  all  gone 
Me  purse  hangs  on  the  breer, 
And  if  thee  don't  give  me  me  mony  again, 
Til  hit  the  box  on  the  ear.1' 

I  have  often  thought  of  the  thousands  of  brave  men  who,  like 
Billy  Mason,  died  at  such  a  time  as  he,  when  the  army  was  de 
feated  and  retreating,  with  no  opportunity  to  learn  when  they 
died  or  where  they  were  buried.  I  often  feel  like  remembering 
with  special  tenderness  of  thought: 

14  Those  comrades,  who  sleep,  we  know  not  where, 
Who  died  we  know  not  when, 
Their  loved  ones  for  them  watch  and  wait, 
From  early  morn  till  evening  late. 
So  let  us  strew  their  memory  dear 
With  fragrant  bloom  each  passing  year, 
At  last,  some  time  we  know  not  when, 
We  hope  to  greet  them  all,  and  then, 
The  when  the  where  of  the  long  past, 
Will  turn  to  joy  for  aye  to  last." 

The  night  of  the  15th  of  December  found  the  men  of  the 
Twelfth  in  a  field  with  shovels  and  picks,  throwing  up  breast 
works  within  a  few  feet  of  the  Confederate  pickets.  We  con 
fidently  expected  in  the  morning  to  try  again  to  take  Marye's 
Hill  if  we  died  in  the  attempt,  as  thousands  of  our  comrades 
had  done  in  the  first  attack.  So  much  were  we  in  the  dark  as 
to  the  future,  or  even  the  present,  that  a  large  part  of  the  army 
had  crossed  the  river  before  we  or  our  foe  knew  of  it.  When  at  last 
we  ceased  to  dig,  by  orders  from  our  officers,  the  command  came  to 
"Fall  in !"  and  make  as  little  noise  as  possible  in  marching.  So,  fix 
ing  our  tin  cups  and  plates  so  they  would  not  make  their  usual 
music,  we  marched  silently  away,  we  knew  not  whither,  till  we 
found  ourselves  on  the  pontoons  returning  to  the  place  from 
whence  we  came,  glad  enough  to  get  out  of  such  a  death-trap. 
The  Twelfth  was,  as  I  remember,  the  last  regiment  of  infantry 
to  recross  the  pontoons  in  the  centre. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS 


207 


For  several  weeks  we  were  in  the  vicinity  of  Fredericksburg, 
doing  picket  duty,  marching  and  camping  in  mud  until  many 
were  sick.  Nearly  all  were  black  and  poor  in  body,  and 
wretched  generally. 

The  name  given  by  some  of  our  boys,  "Camp  between  life  and 
death,"  was  so  appropriate  that  my  readers  will  be  as  glad  as 
we  were  to  leave  that  miserable  experience  behind  and  skip 
over  to 

NEWPORT  NEWS. 

Here  we  had  a  most  delightful  camp,  "beautiful  for  situa 
tion,"  and  the  joy  of  every  Rhode  Islander's  heart,  for  the  ocean 
was  near  and  the  salt-laden  breezes  smelled  of  oysters,  clams, 
and  home,  sweet  home. 

With  such  a  location,  plenty  of  first-class  rations,  and  com 
fortable  quarters,  our  spirits  soon  revived  and  health  came  again 
to  the  sick,  and  it  was  not  long  before  there  was  a  great  im 
provement  in  drill,  discipline,  and  general  appearance.  It 
would  be  hard  to  find  a  better  arranged  or  more  perfect  camp 
than  that  enjoyed  by  our  regiment. 

Here  we  began  to  get  well  acquainted  with  our  new  lieutenant- 
colonel,  James  Shaw,  Jr.  If  there  ever  was  a  better  officer  than 
he,  more  capable,  whole-souled  and  genial  in  every  way,  it  has 
not  been  our  lot  to  find  him.  A  fine  drillmaster,  good  disciplina 
rian,  a  perfect  gentleman,  no  wonder  we  all  loved  him  and  felt 
inspired  by  his  presence. 

April  1,  1863,  found  our  regiment  on  board  the  steamer  Long 
Island,  that  is  to  say,  all  except  Company  B,  which,  for  want 
of  room,  was  on  the  steamer  Swan,  in  company  with  the  Seventh 
Rhode  Island,  all  bound  for  Baltimore,  and  from  thence  where 
marching  orders  might  assign  us. 

We  broke  camp  the  previous  day  and  embarked  on  the  boats 
in  the  evening,  and  the  moonlight  sail  was  delightful,  for  a  sol 
dier's  life  is  not  all  sad  and  dreary.  Chesapeake  Bay  is  a  lovely 
body  of  water,  almost  equaling  dear  old  Narragansett,  the  un 
rivaled.  Reaching  Baltimore,  we  were  ordered  to  take  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  then  to  cross  the 
Ohio  River  into  Kentucky. 

After  a  brief  camp  at  Lexington,  we  left  that  town  April  8th, 


208  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

and  from  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  till  sunset  we  "hoofed"  it 
twenty-three  miles  to  Winchester,  where  we  were  glad  to  camp 
"any  old  way/'  for  we  were  a  weary  lot  in  a  strange  land.  This 
bright  little  city  was  called  the  "Little  Massachusetts,"  on  ac 
count  of  the  strong  Union  sentiments  of  the  people.  What's  in 
a  name,  anyway?  Well,  my  dear  mother  had  twelve  Winches 
ters.  Three  of  us  enlisted  and  went,  and  I  used  to  say  that  if 
all  the  girls  had  been  boys  and  old  enough  to  go,  every  mother's 
son  of  them  would  have  enlisted.  From  this  place  I  sent  to  the 
Press  a  small  rebel  flag  captured  by  Lieutenant  Bacon  under 
romantic  circumstances,  the  truth  of  which  I  do  not  guarantee, 
but  rumor  said  at  the  time  that  the  gallant  lieutenant  was  at 
the  home  of  one  of  those  beautiful  girls  for  which  Kentucky  has 
always  been  noted,  ostensibly  to  get  a  square  meal,  when,  seeing 
the  secesh  flag,  he  demanded  its  surrender.  "Agreed,"  said  the 
girl,  "if  you  will  take  me  with  it."  The  lieutenant  promised, 
but  the  rest  of  the  romance  this  writer  never  learned.  Our  cam 
paign  in  Kentucky  took  us  to  what  seemed  like  the  jumping-off 
place,  the  city  of  Jamestown,  where  we  arrived  June  23d.  The 
citizens  called  it  "Jimtown,"  and  by  that  name  we  soon  learned 
to  call  it. 

Time  would  fail  me  if  I  attempted  to  do  justice  to  the  beauti 
ful  scenery  through  which  we  passed,  or  to  mention  in  detail  the 
experiences  in  Somerset,  Richmond,  Crab  Orchard,  Nicholas- 
ville,  Hickman's  Bridge,  "Paint  Lick  Creek,"  Lancaster,  Stan 
ford,  and  many  other  interesting  places. 

I  must  not  forget  to  mention  the  fact  that  when  we  reached 
Somerset,  Tuesday,  June  8th,  we  had  "trotted"  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  in  the  six  days  in  heavy  marching  order,  and  five 
minutes  after  reaching  camp  at  roll  call  every  man  of  the  regi 
ment  was  present,  but  of  the  sore  feet  and  lame  legs  my  readers 
may  form  their  own  conclusions.  A  map  of  our  journeyings  in 
Kentucky  would  be  a  small  edition  of  that  of  the  children  of 
Israel  on  their  way  to  the  promised  land.  Seven  Jerseymen, 
friends  and  brethren  of  mine,  visited  me  last  summer,  and,  for 
my  entertainment,  they  sang  this  expressive  refrain: 

"  They  rambled  up, 
And  they  rambled  down, 
They  rambled, 
They  rambled." 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  209 

All  were  fine  singers,  and,  queer  as  the  words  were,  it  was  so 
melodious  that  I  often  find  it  running  through  my  brain. 
So  the  Twelfth  Regiment  in  old  Kentuck: 

Rambled  up,  and 
Rambled  down  and 
Rambled  back  again, 

over  the  same  roads.  But  the  endless  variety  of  beautiful  sights 
from  the  Blue  Grass  region  on  over  the  Cumberland  Mountains 
and  through  lovely  valleys  and  by  cooling  streams,  together  with 
experiences  gained  and  acquaintances  formed,  brings  up  in  mem 
ory  a  picture  that  moves  as  if  set  to  a  pleasant  melody. 

From  "Jimtown"  we  moved  back  again  by  easy  stages  (on 
foot)  and  reached  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Monday,  July  13th.  About 
noon  we  did  justice  to  a  great  lunch  furnished  by  the  patriotic 
citizens,  and,  about  three  P.  MV  we  formed  in  line,  and  with  great 
joy  marched,  as  we  supposed,  for  the  depot  to  take  the  train  for 
home.  But  you  can  easily  imagine  our  surprise  when  we  found 
ourselves  traveling  up  the  Mount  Auburn  road,  and  just  on  top 
of  the  hill  filing  to  the  right  into  an  open  field  evidently  going 
into  camp.  Did  any  of  the  boys  call  somewhat  angrily  to  any 
passing  officer:  ''Time's  out!  Time's  out!"  Well,  I  should 
smile!  However,  when,  in  a  few  minutes,  our  beloved  General 
Burnside  appeared  on  the  scene  and  explained  that  our  presence 
was  required  for  a  few  days  until  the  militia  could  be  organized 
for  the  safety  of  the  city,  we  all  took  in  the  situation  and  set 
tled  down  to  business  with  our  accustomed  cheerfulness. 

As  Morgan  was  said  to  be  making  a  pleasure  excursion  through 
Ohio,  we  really  prayed  that  his  royal  highness,  "horse,  foot,  and 
dragoon/'  might  come  our  way,  for  we  had  blood  in  our  eyes  for 
the  man  that  had  led  us  such  a  hot  chase,  over  hill  and  dale, 
without  even  a  sight  of  his  beautiful  black  horses.  But  he  never 
came  near,  so  wTe  enjoyed  a  beautiful  camp  and  made  many 
choice  friends,  who  vied  with  each  other  in  providing  for  our 
comfort  and  entertainment. 

Some  of  us  will  never  forget  the  hospitality  of  Kev.  Erwin 
House  and  his  wife.  More  delightful,  genial,  Christian  people 
one  can  never  wish  to  meet.  Years  after  the  war  was  over, 
Brother  House,  being  in  New  York  city  on  business,  journeyed 
tc  Providence  to  make  me  a  short  visit.  Our  acquaintance  con- 

14 


210  HISTORY   OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

tinned  till  one  day  I  was  startled  with  grief  at  the  sad  news 
that  Rev.  Erwin  House  fell  dead  as  he  was  ascending  the  stairs 
to  his  room  where  he  was  employed  in  the  Methodist  Book  Con 
cern,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  A  few  years  later,  being  in  Cincinnati, 
I  went  over  to  Mount  Auburn,  and  there  in  the  very  house  where 
we  had  been  entertained  in  war-time,  met  Mrs.  House,  sad  and 
lonely  without  him  whom  her  soul  loved,  but  cheered  with  the 
hope  of  the  great  reunion  "In  the  sweet  bye-and-bye." 

When  the  excitement  of  Morgan's  raid  was  over,  we  broke  our 
last  camp  at  Mount  Auburn,  and  the  swift  iron  horse  hurried 
us  home,  where  we  arrived  in  due  time  and  were  received  with 
a  perfect  ovation.  It  was  a  proud  and  happy  day  as  we  marched 
up  the  crowded  streets  thronged  with  patriotic  citizens,  and 
among  them  saw  the  forms  of  those  we  loved  most  and  best. 

If  that  home-coming  was  glorious,  as  it  surely  was,  what  will 
it  be  when 

"  We'll  all  gather  home  in  the  morning, 
At  the  sound  of  the  great  jubilee, 
We'll  all  gather  home  in  the  morning, 
What  a  gathering  that  will  be.1' 

NOTES. 

Here's  to  the  health  of  our  barber.  Was  there  ever  a  whiter 
man  of  any  race  than  Mr.  Jefferson? 

Here's  to  Drum-Major  Parker,  genial,  jolly,  and,  like  Ben  West, 
who,  when  sneered  at  as  "only  a  drummer/'  said,  "Didn't  I  drum 
well?"  So  we  may  add,  yes,  and  made  all  the  drummers  and 
fifers  "come  to  time." 

Here's  to  the  sutler.  How  could  we  ever  have  lived  or  died 
without  him?  By  the  way,  that  reminds  me  of  a  little  incident. 
One  day,  after  the  paymaster  had  visited  us,  we  were  sitting 
about  the  camp-fire  and  one  said,  "I  have  sent  ten  dollars  home." 
Another  said,  "I  have  sent  twenty  dollars  home."  A  young  fel 
low  whom  we  will  call  Romeo  sat  there  glum,  and  some  one  said, 
"Well,  Komeo,  have  you  sent  your  money  home?"  "Yes,  to  its 
long  home,"  drawled  Romeo.  The  sutler  had  got  every  cent  of  it. 

Here's  to  a  certain  company  cook.  I  enlisted  him  myself;  he 
was  generally  very  obliging  and  well  up  in  his  business.  Judge 
of  my  surprise  when  I  found  him  one  day  down  in  "Old  Virginny" 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  211 

lying  flat  on  his  back ;  it  was  near  dinner-time,  and  no  preparation 
made  for  a  blessed  thing  to  eat.  I  went  to  him  and  with  a  voice 
of  first  sergeant  authority  said,  "H.,  get  up  and  get  dinner." 
Then  spoke  this  cooking  man  and  said,  "I  can't,  orderly;  I'm 
dead."  There  he  lay  all  that  day  and  part  of  the  next,  dead 
enough,  till  a  soldier  who  had  been  to  Fortress  Monroe  returned, 
and,  stooping  down,  put  a  tiny  box  into  the  hands  of  the  dead 
cook,  who  had  life  enough  left  to  get  a  little  pill  into  his  mouth, 
when  he  sprang  to  his  feet  and  said,  "What  will  you  have,  order 
ly?"  and  at  once  resumed  connection  with  this  mundane  sphere 
and  attended  to  his  duty  with  great  cheerfulness  and  opium- 
induced  zeal. 

Now  I  must  make  one  or  two  confessions.  I  have  been  an 
open  enemy  to  the  "Indian  weed"  all  my  life,  but — don't  tell  it 
out  loud — I  carried  a  pipe  (a  small  briarwood  one)  with 
some  tobacco  in  my  pocket  all  through  our  campaigning. 
You  see  it  was  this  way:  There  were  a  few  boys  that  some 
how  were  so  improvident  that  they  were  always  "short," 
and,  as  the  pipe  and  smoke  was  their  "best  holt,"  I  added 
to  their  comfort  by  bearing  my  cross  as  aforesaid  and  lending 
the  necessary  articles  to  enable  them  to  make  a  smokehouse  of 
their  mouth  and  nose. 

Who  put  the  pack  of  cards  in  good  Chaplain  Field's  pocket? 
We  were,  as  I  remember,  at  a  railroad  station  waiting  for  a  train. 
Some  wicked  soldier  took  out  a  pack  of  cards  and  said,  "Put  these 
in  the  chaplain's  pocket."  It  was  very  easily  accomplished,  and 
the  innocent  look  of  astonishment  that  spread  over  the  worthy 
chaplain's  face  when  later  he  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket  for  his 
handkerchief,  and  drew  out  instead,  "kings,"  "queens,"  "jacks," 
"aces,"  "deuces,"  "ten-spots,"  and  the  whole  outfit,  makes  me 
smile  even  now  as  I,  like  G.  W.,  rise  to  remark,  "I  did  it,"  but 
meant  no  harm,  for  our  good  chaplain  was  worthy  of  all  honor. 

Here's  to  Theodore  A.  Manchester.  What  a  good  boy  he  used 
to  be  in  South  Providence!  What  a  fine  tent-mate  he  was! 
W^hat  a  good  comrade  he  has  proved  himself,  for  he  "saved  the 
day"  for  me.  You  see,  in  General  Lyon  Post,  Grand  Army  of 
the  Eepublic,  where  I  have  been  honored  with  being  chaplain, 
adjutant,  and  commander,  one  comrade  has  for  many  years  in 
sisted  that  the  writer  of  these  notes  was  the  onlv  survivor  of  the 


212  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Twelfth  Rhode  Island.  So  join  with  me  in  my  great  joy  of  hav 
ing  Theodore  for  my  guest  at  a  meeting  of  Post  No.  266,  and 
listening,  with  many  others,  to  a  most  interesting  speech,  in 
which  he  demonstrated  that  there  was  at  least  one  other  sur 
vivor  of  the  Twelfth,  and  that  he  could  make  a  speech  of  no  mean 
order. 

Here's  to  Beriah  G.  Browning.  He  rests  from  his  labors,  but 
I  must  pay  him  this  tribute:  He  was  one  of  the  truest  friends 
I  have  ever  known,  and  we  were  clerks  in  the  same  store  fifty 
years  ago.  He  was  a  great  practical  joker,  and  here's  one  he 
played  on  me.  We  both  went  to  an  old-fashioned  singing-school 
taught  by  Seth  Sumner,  and  he  was  a  good  teacher.  Well,  of 
course,  we  all  went  with  the  girls,  for  they  were  the  life  of  the 
school.  I  went  with  a  fair  maid  a  little  older  than  myself,  and 
after  awhile  volunteered  to  find  her  a  good  husband,  having  in 
mind  an  excellent  young  man  of  the  right  age.  So  one  evening 
I  called  at  her  residence,  and  with  me  went  her  future  husband. 
As  he  and  I  sat  in  the  parlor  waiting  for  the  young  lady  to  enter, 
a  gentleman  strode  into  the  room,  and,  approaching  me,  said: 
"Is  this  Mr.  W—  —  ?''  I  pleaded  guilty  to  the  "soft  impeach 
ment,"  whereupon  he  said,  "You  leave/'  and  motioned  me  to  the 
door.  I  tried  to  ask  for  an  explanation,  but  seeing  the  size  of 
his  boots,  "I  staid  not  on  the  order  of  my  going,"  but  accepted 
his  invitation  and  went,  dumbfounded  at  such  unexpected  and 
unmerited  treatment.  It  makes  me  laugh  till  I  cry  to  think  of  it 
even  now.  After  a  while  it  came  out.  The  dear  girl  showed 
me  some  verses  in  the  splendid  and  to  me  well-known  hand 
writing  of  my  friend  Browning.  Her  father  found  them  in  her 
singing-school  book  and  accused  me  of  being  the  author.  They 
were  the  well-known  lines  of  Longfellow,  where  he  says: 

11  She's  got  a  bosom  white  as  snow, 
Take  care,  beware  ;  she's  fooling  thee  ; 
She  knows  just  how  much  'tis  best  to  show, 
Take  care,  beware  ;  she's  fooling  thee." 

After  awhile  explanations  followed.  My  friend  married  the 
girl  and  made  her  a  first-class  husband.  It  was  a  healing  balm 
to  my  wounded  pride  to  be  the  reputed  author,  for  even  a  short 
time,  of  lines  written  by  one  of  our  greatest  American  poets. 

As  for  Browning,  it  never  ruffled  a  hair  between  him  and  me, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  213 

and  when  we  both  went  in  the  Twelfth  we  were  mutually  glad 
for  such  companionship. 

Oh !  the  father  of  the  girl  learned  his  mistake,  but  his  daughter 
said  he  was  too  proud  ever  to  acknowledge  an  error,  and  I  was 
of  that  mould  never  to  hold  a  grudge,  and  so  this  little  true  story 
illumines  the  pages  of  our  history. 

Here's  to  the  rebs  that  stole  the  mail-bag  that  had  my  lieuten 
ant's  commission  in  it.  By  that  act  they  did  me  out  of  between 
one  and  two  hundred  dollars  that  would  come  very  handy  to 
buy  copies  of  this  book  for  my  brothers  and  sisters,  children  and 
grandchildren,  the  list  of  such  now  numbering  twenty! 

When  our  time  of  service  as  a  regiment  was  ended  and  we 
were  mustered  out,  how  readily  we  conformed  to  the  new  condi 
tions  !  Some  of  us  returned  to  our  former  positions,  some  to 
equally  good  or  better  ones,  and  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that, 
all  in  all,  the  men  that  made  up  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  have 
been  a  credit  to  their  home  State  and  the  country  at  large,  and 
have  received  their  due  share  of  public  and  private  honors.  It 
is  the  hope  and  belief  of  the  writer  that  in  our  country,  to 
which  we  gave  our  best  service,  we  shall  continue  to  be  in  the 
future,  as  in  the  past,  so  loyal,  so  true,  so  patriotic  and  so  faith 
ful  to  every  duty,  that  when  the  silent  messenger  chills  the  warm 
heart's  blood,  now  so  full  of  good  cheer,  we  may  lie  down  to  rest 
with  peace  in  our  souls  toward  God  and  all  mankind,  to  await 
the  soon-coming  summons  to  "Fall  in!"  for  the  grand  review, 
where  war  shall  be  no  more. 


PERSONAL  REMINISCENCES. 

BY  THEODORE   A.    MANCHESTER. 


A  BOY  of  seventeen,  a  soldier  in  the  greatest  war  of  modern 
times ! 

In  September,  1862,  I  enlisted,  signing  the  roll  in  a  tent  pre 
sided  over  by  Charles  M.  Winchester  and  Albert  W.  Delanah, 
who  subsequently  became  respectively,  orderly  sergeant  and  sec 
ond  lieutenant,  and  still  later  second  and  first  lieutenants  of 
Company  B,  Twelfth  Kegiment  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  of 
which  I  became  a  member. 

Fully  one-third  of  Company  B  were  under  twenty  years  of  age. 
Parents'  consent  was  a  prerequisite  to  the  enlistment  of  minors, 
and  I  well  remember  the  struggle  I  had  to  get  my  father's  con 
sent.  I  only  obtained  it  through  the  intercession  of  my  dear  old 
grandmother. 

The  life  in  Camp  Stevens,  on  Dexter  Training  Ground,  was  to 
me  so  strange  that  no  incident  passed  unnoticed.  Tossing  men 
in  blankets  and  other  kinds  of  "horse  play,"  and  the  thousand 
and  one  things  that  men  released  from  the  restraints  of  home  life 
indulged  in,  were  generally  looked  upon  by  me  from  a  safe  dis 
tance. 

The  days  were  crowded  full  of  action.  After  being  a  short 
time  in  camp  I  learned  to  run  the  guard,  and  every  evening  when 
not  on  duty  I  was  at  home  until  late  at  night. 

Entering  camp  at  midnight  was  a  different  performance,  how 
ever,  from  going  out.  We  stealthily  entered  from  between  build 
ings  on  the  west  of  the  camp,  and  were  generally  over  the  line 
before  the  guard  was  aware  of  our  presence;  but  we  were  always 
promptly  chased  to  our  quarters,  and  when  the  pursuing  guard 
(from  the  guardhouse)  arrived  at  our  tent,  everything  was  quiet 
and  we  were  all  fast  asleep. 


THEODORE  A.  MANCHESTER. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 

M.  Y,  Stet , 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  215 

Those  pleasant  autumn  days  in  camp  were  enjoyed  by  the 
young  soldiers  in  a  rational  way,  as  they,  as  a  rule,  had  come 
from  good  homes  and  had  not  acquired  the  deliberate  recklessness 
of  older  men.  We  then  little  dreamed  of  the  long,  weary 
marches,  where  exhausted  men  fell  by  the  wayside,  or  toiled  on 
with  grim  faces  and  set  teeth,  with  blistered  feet  and  shoulders 
galled  by  knapsacks  and  heavy  muskets. 

The  day  when  we  were  mustered  into  "Uncle  Sam's"  service 
rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  Company  B  was  assembled  in  the  loft 
of  a  stable.  Two  or  three  boys  were  thrown  out  as  being  too 
young.  I  was  in  the  rear  rank,  and,  as  the  mustering  officer  was 
passing,  he  halted,  looked  at  me,  started  on,  and,  hesitating, 
turned  for  a  second  look.  I  never  wravered  from  "eyes  straight 
to  the  front,"  and  he  finally  walked  on,  apparently  satisfied  that 
I  was  all  right. 

I  well  remember  the  first  time  I  was  detailed  for  guard  duty. 
My  beat  was  near  the  cookhouse,  and,  when  the  officer  of  the 
guard,  Lieutenant  Lapham,  of  Company  B,  made  the  rounds  that 
night,  he  was  in  more  danger  of  being  bayoneted  by  the  young 
soldier  who  was  determined  to  do  his  full  duty  than  he  probably 
imagined. 

I  was  in  the  trenches  one  day  near  our  camp,  doing  my  part  in 
throwing  up  some  breastworks,  when  Lewis  J.  Matteson,  of  Com 
pany  B,  had  a  pick  driven  through  his  hand  by  Charles  H.  An 
drews,  of  the  same  company.  We  were  very  much  crowded  in  the 
trench,  and  when  Matteson  threw  back  his  hand  the  pick  came 
down  and  was  driven  through  the  hand,  taking  a  piece  off  of  the 
handle  of  the  shovel,  the  point  of  the  pick  being  driven  into  the 
wood  fully  half  an  inch.  That  severe  wound  kept  him  from  tak 
ing  part  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg. 

On  one  occasion  the  regiment  was  on  picket  duty,  when  my 
beat  extended  down  a  hill  to  a  little  stream  which  crossed  the 
beat  near  its  end.  At  one  time,  when  I  came  down  to  the  stream, 
I  failed  to  find  the  picket  who  should  have  met  me  there.  I  lis 
tened  intently  and  detected  a  sound  as  of  some  one  snoring,  and, 
by  following  the  direction  thereof,  I  found  this  picket  propped 
up  against  a  tree,  fast  asleep.  I  awoke  him,  but,  owing  to  his 
extreme  weariness,  I  had  to  repeat  the  operation  several  times 
before  we  were  relieved. 


216  HISTORY   OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

One  night  when  on  picket  duty,  an  advance  post  had  been  sent 
out  from  the  main  body  and  I  happened  to  be  with  this  detach 
ment.  There  was  a  good  deal  of  noise  being  made  by  the  trains 
on  the  railroad  a  short  distance  away  in  our  front,  when  word 
came  back  to  us  that  guerillas  were  at  work  near  the  railroad, 
and  I  was  detailed  to  carry  word  to  that  effect  back  to  the  grand 
guard,  which  was  encamped  about  a  mile  in  our  rear.  I  did  not 
relish  the  work,  but  started.  Did  I  keep  in  the  middle  of  the 
road  and  scan  every  foot  of  the  way?  Well,  I  should  say  I  did. 
The  night  was  dark  and  the  road  little  more  than  a  cart-path. 
When  I  approached  the  little  stream  that  at  one  point  crossed  the 
road,  I  heard  its  murmuring  long  before  I  reached  it,  and  was 
a  long  time  making  up  my  mind  just  what  the  noise  was.  I  ap 
proached  it  stealthily  and  at  last  concluded  it  was  safe  to  proceed. 
I  had  my  musket  ready,  hammer  thrown  back  to  full  cock,  and 
woe  betide  any  living  thing  that  might  have  been  unfortunate 
enough  to  cross  my  path  during  that  lonely  walk.  I  reached  the 
grand  guard  at  last,  made  my  report  and  returned  to  my  post 
without  a  mishap.  To  one  whose  life  had  been  spent  in  a  city, 
that  tramp  along  the  lonely  country  road,  under  the  circum 
stances,  was  anything  but  a  pleasure  trip. 

Company  B  had  many  musical  comrades  and  the  evenings  were 
passed  pleasantly  in  song,  and  the  time  at  Camp  Casey  was  thus 
relieved  of  the  monotony  attendant  on  camp  life.  I  knew  little 
of  what  was  being  done  in  other  companies  of  the  regiment,  as 
1  kept  to  quarters  very  closelv.  The  first  day  of  December  we 
were  on  the  march  through  Washington  and  across  Eastern 
Branch  to  Uniontown,  where  we  lay  down  with  only  our  blankets 
for  shelter.  An  old  soldier  had  said  to  me,  "Take  off  your  shoes 
when  you  get  under  your  blanket  and  you  will  never  have  cold 
feet."  I  followed  his  advice  then  and  ever  after,  and  found  it 
the  better  plan.  WThen  I  awoke  the  morning  was  beautifully 
bright  and  clear,  and  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  a  short  distance 
away,  was  glistening  in  the  sunlight.  White  frost  covered  all 
exposed  objects,  and,  melting  under  the  influence  of  a  warm  sun, 
our  blankets  were  soon  wet,  which  added  weight  to  the  load  we 
were  obliged  to  carry. 

Company  B  was  in  its  regular  position  on  the  left  of  the  line 
during  the  march  of  the  second  day.  There  had  been  some  loss 
of  distance  and  some  straggling,  and,  at  dusk,  a  small  party,  of 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  217 

which  I  was  one,  came  to  an  estate  on  the  left  of  the  road,  where 
the  hedges  were  afire,  whether  by  the  act  of  some  vandal  or  by 
accident  I  did  not  know.  The  women  of  the  place  were  all  down 
near  the  road,  highly  excited  and  nervously  crying  and  wringing 
their  hands,  begging  our  men  to  extinguish  the  fire  before  it 
reached  the  buildings.  Company  B  was  badly  broken  up,  and 
I,  personally,  did  not  see  what  assistance  I  could  render,  so  hur 
ried  on  to  join  the  main  body  of  the  regiment.  It  was  a  sad 
scene,  and  one  which  1  have  lived  over  in  my  mind  many,  many 
times  since  that  night  in  Maryland.  When  we  encamped  in  the 
snow,  on  Friday  evening,  we  were  wet  and  covered  with  mud. 
The  march  of  the  day  had  been  fearfully  trying.  Besides  the 
rain  and  snow  that  fell  to  wet  us  and  add  pounds  of  extra  weight 
for  us  to  carry,  the  road  was  churned  into  a  sea  of  mud,  and  the 
left  of  the  line  had  "all  that  was  coming  to  them."  Company 
B  was  in  the  woods,  where  the  brush  had  been  cut  and  lay  to  the 
depth  of  several  inches.  We  scraped  the  snow  from  the  brush 
and  started  a  fire.  Uice  was  put  on  to  boil  by  our  company 
cooks,  and,  having  no  salt,  "salt  horse"  was  put  into  the  kettles 
with  it,  thus  furnishing  seasoning  for  the  rice. 

Towards  midnight  the  weather  became  very  cold  and  the  full 
moon  was  shining  from  a  cloudless  sky.  The  surface  of  the  wet 
snow  was  an  ice  crust  at  the  time,  and. I,  in  company  with  several 
of  my  comrades,  was  prowling  about  a  short  distance  from  camp, 
when  we  came  across  a  persimmon  tree  in  the  cattle  enclosure  of 
a  farmer.  The  tree  was  loaded  with  the  ripe  and  frozen  fruit. 
We  filled  our  haversacks  and  went  back  to  camp  and  crawled 
between  our  blankets.  The  next  morning,  under  the  influence  of 
our  camp-fire,  the  fruit  liad  softened  into  a  solid  mass,  losing  all 
semblance  of  individual  form,  and  besmearing  the  lining  of  our 
haversacks  with  the  brown  and  sticky  substance.  I  ate  my  fill 
and  have  never  hankered  for  persimmons  since. 

I  shall  never  forget  the  cold  and  discomfort  of  that  afternoon 
at  Liverpool  Landing.  The  orders  were  "not  to  forage  on  the 
loyal  citizens  of  Maryland,"  and  the  order  was  obeyed  until  pa 
tience  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,  when  the  boys  "made  a  break"  for  the 
fences,  and  we  soon  had  a  fire  of  rails  as  large  as  an  ordinary 
cottage.  Company  B  crossed  the  river  on  a  coal  barge  which 
was  towed  to  Acquia  Creek  landing  by  a  small  steamer.  The 


218  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

wind  which  swept  down  the  river  was  as  keen  as  the  edge  of  a 
knife,  and,  when  we  arrived  at  the  landing,  I  was  thoroughly 
chilled.  The  night  was  very  dark  and  we  stumbled  along  the 
road  to  that  camp  of  horrors,  afterwards  known  as  "Camp 
Smoke.'7 

Two  days'  marching  from  here  brought  us  to  our  camp  on  the 
snow-covered  ground  near  Fredericksburg.  The  next  morning 
we  marched  out  a  mile  from  camp  and  lay  on  our  arms  all  day 
while  the  city  and  the  rebel  works  beyond  were  being  shelled. 
That  morning  I,  for  the  first  time,  saw  a  wounded  man  just  from 
the  front.  He  was  on  an  artillery  caisson  which  had  come  to 
the  rear  for  ammunition.  A  shot  or  shell  had  passed  between 
his  body  and  left  arm,  tearing  a  great  hole  in  his  side  and  the 
flesh  from  his  arm.  A  stretcher  was  hastily  taken  from  an  am 
bulance  and  the  wounded  man  laid  on  the  clean  white  canvas, 
which  in  an  instant  was  crimson  with  his  blood.  I  well  remem 
ber  with  what  horror  I  viewed  the  transformation,  and  with 
soberness,  akin  to  fear,  I  thought  of  what  the  future  might  have 
in  store  for  me.  I  thought  of  home  and  the  dear  ones  there,  and 
a  great  pity  for  them,  rather  than  for  myself,  came  over  me  at  the 
possibility  of  such  a  mishap.  Friday  morning  a  ration  of 
whiskey  was  issued  to  the  men.  The  young  soldiers,  who  did  not 
drink  whiskey,  were  urgently  solicited  to  draw  their  ration, 
which  in  most  instances  they  did  and  some  obtained  more  than 
was  good  for  them. 

That  day  we  entered  the  city,  and,  as  we  marched  down  the  ra 
vine  near  the  Lacy  House,  the  Confederate  shells  were  cutting 
the  branches  from  the  trees  under  which  we  were  marching  in 
column  of  fours,  and  they  were  raining  down  upon  us  as  we  were 
making  our  way  through  the  ravine  which  opened  upon  the  river. 
"Head  of  column  to  the  right,"  was  the  order,  and,  after  a  short 
distance  along  the  edge  of  the  river  to  the  left,  we  were  on  the 
pontoon  bridge  and  crossing  the  river. 

While  lying  on  the  street  facing  the  river  many  exciting  inci 
dents  occurred.  One  was  when  a  shell  came  screaming  over  the 
bluff  and  two  men  of  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire  swung  out  of 
line,  with  a  half  step  to  the  rear,  as  it  hurled  itself  (fortunately 
without  exploding),  just  where  they  stood. 

I   watched  the  soldiers  fishing  boxes  of  tobacco   out  of   the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  219 

river,  and,  breaking  them  open,  distributing  the  contents  among 
the  men. 

At  one  time  a  regiment,  in  column  of  fours,  with  its  field  officers 
mounted,  was  seen  marching  toward  the  brink  of  the  steep  bluff 
across  the  river,  as  if  making  for  the  pontoon  bridge  beneath 
them.  A  band  at  their  head  was  playing  the  air  of  one  of  the 
popular  songs  of  the  day,  whose  refrain  was,  "Bully  for  you ! 
bully  for  you!'7  At  the  instant  the  right  of  the  regiment  reached 
the  very  crest  of  the  hill  a  shell  from  the  Confederate  works  went 
screeching  over  the  river  and  fell  in  the  midst  of  the  first  com 
pany.  Almost  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  it  seemed  to  me,  of 
that  long  line  there  was  not  a  man  in  sight,  except  five  human 
forms  that  lay  stretched  upon  the  ground,  where  but  a  moment 
before  had  been  the  proudly  marching  regiment.  As  if  by  magic, 
there  flashed  along  our  line,  the  expressed  belief,  "That  is  the 
Eleventh  Rhode  Island."  But  being  denied,  the  impression  pre 
vailed  that  it  was  the  Eleventh  New  Hampshire.  I  so  believed 
until  one  evening,  years  afterwards,  when  I  was  relating  the  in 
cident  before  a  reunion  of  the  New  Hampshire  veterans,  when  a 
gentleman  from  Manchester,  N.  H.,  Jenkins  by  name,  got  upon 
his  feet  and  holding  his  maimed  right  hand  said:  "This  is  the 
effect  of  that  shell  falling  in  the  ranks  of  the  Sixth  New  Hamp 
shire."  His  brother,  a  member  of  the  same  regiment,  but  at  that 
time  chief  of  police  of  Manchester,  also  told  the  same  story  from 
his  point  of  view. 

A  battery  off  to  our  right,  opposite  Falmouth,  had  our  range, 
but  apparently  could  not  depress  their  pieces  enough  to  harm  us. 
We  would  watch  the  hill,  and,  seeing  a  puff  of  smoke,  in  an  in 
stant  would  hear  the  report  of  the  gun,  and  then  the  shell  would 
go  screaming  over  our  heads.  We  lay  low  until  the  shell  went 
over  and  then  would  straighten  up  again.  Captain  Longstreet 
was  pacing  back  and  forth  on  an  exposed  place  on  the  highest 
ground,  in  plain  view  of  Cobb's  men,  who  were  in  the  sunken  road 
behind  the  stone  wall  in  front  of  Marye's  Heights.  It  was  here 
I  received  a  crushing  blow  on  the  head  which  staggered  me.  I 
imagined  some  clumsy  fellow  had  stumbled  and  as  he  fell  threw 
his  musket  from  his  shoulder,  striking  me  on  the  head.  When  I 
collected  myself  and  looked  around,  the  nearest  man  to  me,  ex 
cept  the  two  dead  men  at  my  feet,  was  not  within  six  or  eight 


220  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

feet.  I  picked  my  cap  from  the  ground,  where  it  had  fallen,  and 
found  a  bullet  hole  through  it.  My  hair  was  very  heavy  and 
thick  and  I  imagine  the  bullet,  coming  at  the  proper  angle, 
glanced  from  it,  thus  saving  me  from  a  bad  scalp  wound,  if 
nothing  more  serious.  A  step  onto  lower  ground,  which  I  had 
taken  at  that  instant,  had  been  an  important  factor  in  saving 
me  from  death  by  a  bullet  through  the  head.  It  was  one  of  those 
"close  calls"  that  I  had  seen  many  instances  of  that  day. 

One  member  of  Company  B  had  a  bullet  strike  the  lower  cor 
ner  of  his  haversack,  tearing  the  corner  off  and  breaking  in  its 
course  the  corner  of  every  hard-tack  but  the  last,  against  which 
it  stopped  and  fell  flattened  to  the  ground.  A  wound  in  the 
groin  would  have  been  the  result  if  the  haversack  had  not  been 
hanging  partially  in  front  of  him.  When  he  heard  the  bullet 
strike,  his  face  was  ashen  pale,  and  he  imagined  he  was  wounded 
until  I  indicated  the  bullet  at  his  feet.  He  picked  the  bullet  up 
and  soon  recovered  from  his  fright. 

As  we  neared  the  stone  wall,  Meagher's  men  of  the  "Irish 
Brigade"  were  coming  out,  singly  and  in  small  groups.  The 
ground  was  strewn  with  their  dead  and  wounded.  The  bat 
teries  from  summit  to  base  of  Marye's  Hill  were  sending  grape 
and  canister  into  our  ranks,  and  the  riflemen,  behind  the  stone 
wall,  were  sweeping  the  plain,  across  which  our  men  were  swarm 
ing.  The  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  left  some  of  their  men  among 
the  dead  of  the  "Irish  Brigade"  at  this  point. 

As  we  were  coming  out,  just  at  dusk,  we  were  crossing  an  open 
space,  when  Bill  Mason,  of  B  Company,  was  struck  in  the  groin 
by  a  bullet.  I  was  near  him  and  will  ever  remember  the  sound 
that  bullet  made  as  it  struck  him.  A  hole  in  his  overcoat  in 
dicated  where  it  had  entered  his  body.  We  helped  him  off  the 
field,  leaving  him  at  one  of  the  improvised  hospitals  in  the  city. 
He  has  never  been  seen  or  heard  from  since,  and  is,  undoubtedly, 
one  of  the  thirteen  thousand  unknown  dead  who  sleep  their  last 
sleep  in  the  Fredericksburg  National  Cemetery. 

The  night  was  dark  and  the  Confederates  were  sending  shell 
down  the  streets  that  led  from  the  direction  of  their  works  to  the 
river.  The  army  was  in  confusion  and  the  Twelfth  Regiment 
was,  for  the  time  being,  hopelessly  scattered.  I  found  a  few  of 
the  men,  but  I  don't  remember  where  I  slept  that  night.  While 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  221 

making  coffee,  a  shell  struck  in  the  centre  of  the  little  camp-fire, 
scattering  tin  cups  and  blazing  embers,  while  the  men  simply 
"went,"  taking  no  thought  on  the  order  of  their  going.  For 
tunately,  the  shell  did  not  explode  and  no  one  was  injured. 

Sunday,  the  14th,  was  cloudy  and  foggy.  I  went  out  to  the  edge 
of  the  town  and  looked  over  the  field.  Several  Union  regiments 
were  lying  in  the  depressions  out  of  sight  of  the  Confederates. 
The  day  passed  quietly  except  for  the  noise  from  the  continuous 
line  of  ambulances  along  the  streets  leading  to  the  bridges, 
carrying  our  wounded  over  the  river.  I  found  a  friend  from  the 
Seventh  Ehode  Island  lying  in  one  of  the  churches,  with  a  bullet 
wound  in  the  cheek.  A  broken  jaw  and  loss  of  teeth  was  the 
immediate  result  of  the  wound,  while  consumption  and  death  a 
few  years  later  was  the  final.  After  the  war  I  saw  very  much 
of  him.  He  was  an  Englishman,  but  was  naturalized,  and  served 
in  the  army  while  his  health  lasted.  I  never  heard  one  word  of 
complaint  from  him  in  reference  to  his  adopted  country,  and  he 
was  very  proud  of  his  record  in  the  army  of  the  Union. 

Monday  night,  I,  with  several  companions,  slept  in  the  base 
ment  of  one  of  the  dwellings  that  fronted  on  Princess  Ann  Street. 
We  had  beans  and  pork  for  supper.  We  invited  several  officers 
in  to  our  feast. 

When  the  regiment  moved  out  onto  the  field  that  night  we 
were  overlooked.  I  remember  two  of  the  party  were  from  Com 
pany  B  and  two  were  from  Company  D.  Tuesday  morning  I 
was  awakened  by  some  one  rushing  down  stairs  from  the  street 
floor,  and  in  an  excited  manner  shouting:  "The  army  has  evac 
uated  the  city  and  rebel  cavalry  is  in  front  of  the  house!"  One 
of  the  men  who  had  been  with  us  during  the  night  gathered  his 
clothes  and  shoes  in  his  arms  and  rushed  out  of  the  basement 
door  towards  the  river.  Most  of  the  party,  however,  stopped 
long  enough  to  dress,  for,  as  in  my  own  case,  they  felt  it  would 
be  better  to  be  fully  dressed  if  we  were  to  receive  callers.  We 
had  no  time  for  breakfast  that  morning.  When  we  started  out 
we  found  the  morning  damp  and  disagreeable.  Rain  had  fallen 
during  the  night  and  the  mud  was  very  much  in  evidence.  We 
hurried  through  the  yard,  and,  by  way  of  a  vacant  lot,  to  tke 
street  back  of  the  house.  My  companion  stopped  to  take  a 
blanket  off  a  knapsack  marked  "Fifty-ninth  New  York."  As  we 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

passed  through  on  our  way  to  the  street,  citizens  were  seen  here 
and  there,  with  their  heads  out  6f  the  open  windows,  watching 
the  few  soldiers  who  were  straggling  toward  the  pontoon  bridges. 
I  only  remember  one  of  my  companions  of  that  night  being  with 
me  at  this  time.  As  we  stepped  upon  the  pontoon  bridge,  we 
saw  Chaplain  Field  on  the  bridge  a  short  distance  ahead  of  us. 
The  engineers  had  just  commenced  to  take  up  the  planking  of  the 
bridge,  and  if  we  had  been  a  few  minutes  later  we  should  have 
experienced  some  difficulty  in  crossing.  We  found  the  regiment 
at  or  near  the  old  camp.  It  was  raining  at  the  time  and  we  were 
covered  with  mud.  I  don't  remember  when  we  broke  our  fast, 
but  it  could  hardly  have  been  much  before  noon.  That  was  the 
only  time  during  our  service  that  I  was  away  from  the  regiment 
for  so  long  a  time  without  leave. 


EDWARD  F.  GURRY. 
(From  a  recent  picture.) 


REMINISCENCES. 

BY   EDWARD   F.   GURRY. 


COMRADE  EDWARD  F.  GURRY,  who  was  severely  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  relates  his  experience  as  follows : 

"I  crossed  the  river  with  the  'boys'  on  the  12th  of  December 
and  went  into  action  on  the  13th.  I  was  wounded  early  in  the 
engagement,  just  after  coming  out  of  the  'Railroad  Cut/  and 
again  in  the  afternoon  while  lying  on  the  battlefield. 

"I  little  expected  to  leave  the  field  alive,  and  that  I  was  for 
tunate  in  doing  so  I  only  too  fully  realize.  One  can  imagine  my 
feelings  as  I  lay  there  during  the  night  of  the  13th  and  all  of 
the  following  day,  with  the  dead  and  dying  around  me;  and,  to 
make  my  situation  more  distressing,  a  cold,  drizzling  rain  came  on 
during  the  night  of  the  13th,  followed  by  much  colder  weather. 

"My  clothes,  saturated  with  the  rain  and  blood,  greatly  aggra 
vated  my  wounds,  which  became  much  more  painful,  while  the 
increasing  bitter  cold  added  also  to  my  misery.  On  the  after 
noon  of  the  13th  a  Pennsylvania  regiment  made  a  charge  across 
the  field,  but  was  forced  back  with  heavy  loss,  literally  cut  to 
pieces.  I  recognized  them  as  Pennsylvanians  from  the  well- 
known  'Buck  Tails'  worn  in  their  hats. 

"As  I  was  lying  almost  directly  in  their  path,  during  a  cessa 
tion  of  Confederate  firing,  I  put  forth  all  my  remaining  strength 
and  managed  to  crawl  outside  their  line  of  advance  and  to  a 
more  sheltered  locality  before  they  came  upon  me.  Here  I  rested 
until  taken  off  the  field.  The  spot,  1  remember,  was  but  a  short 
distance  from  the  historic  'Brick  House.' 

"During  the  action,  the  major  of  the  Pennsylvania  regiment 
referred  to  was  killed  and  fell  a  short  distance  from  me.  On 
Sunday,  the  14th,  early  in  the  evening,  I  noticed  some  of  the 
members  of  his  regiment  crawling  near  me  in  search  of  their 
major.  Finding  him  dead,  they  gathered  up  his  equipments,  and, 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

as  they  were  about  to  leave,  I  made  my  presence  known,  observ 
ing  which  they  rolled  me  upon  their  stretcher  and  I  was  taken 
from  the  field. 

"This  undertaking  was  fraught  with  great  difficulty  and  dan 
ger,  as  my  rescuers  had  to  practically  crawl  away,  dragging  me 
between  them,  as  the  rebel  bullets  could  still  be  heard  around  us 
when  any  noise  or  movement  in  our  vicinity  attracted  their  at 
tention. 

"We  were  enabled  to  finally  reach  the  city,  from  which  place 
I  was  later  brought  across  the  river  and  carried  to  Mount 
Pleasant  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C.  I  remained  in  the  hos 
pital  two  months,  cared  for  by  the  kind  Sisters  of  Mercy,  whom 
I  shall  ever  hold  in  grateful  remembrance,  about  the  end  of 
which  time  I  was  relieved  of  a  bullet  which  had  lain  in  my  thigh 
since  that  eventful  13th  of  December,  1862. 

"I  was  then  transferred  to  Portsmouth  Grove,  Rhode  Island, 
remaining  there  until  the  regiment  was  mustered  out,  after  which 
I  remained  at  home  six  months.  I  then  returned  to  Washington 
and  was  in  the  Government  service  until  1866.  I  recall  the  ex 
citement  in  Washington  on  the  night  that  Lincoln  was  assas 
sinated,  and  also  the  trial  and  hanging  of  Captain  Wirz  at  the 
'Old  Capitol  Prison,'  being  present  at  his  execution." 


THEODORE  F.  DEXTER. 
(From  a  recent  picture.) 


A   PERSONAL  REMINISCENCE, 

BY  THEODORE   F.  DEXTER. 


ON  June  23,  1863,  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Regiment  arrived 
at  a  place  called  "Jimtown,"  in  Kentucky,  after  marching  from 
Somerset.  The  rations  were  all  gone,  and,  on  the  next  morning, 
the  24th,  I  was  detailed  to  go  with  a  wagon-train  for  new  sup 
plies  of  rations  and  forage  for  the  teams.  The  train  was  in  charge 
of  our  quartermaster,  John  L.  Clarke,  and  consisted  of  seven 
six-mule  teams  of  our  own  regiment  and  four  six-mule  teams 
of  the  Thirty-second  Kentucky,  making  eleven  teams  in  all,  with 
the  quartermaster  and  wagon  master  mounted  on  horses.  Our 
orders  were  to  go  to  a  place  called  Columbia,  about  twenty  miles 
away,  through  a  rough  and  wooded  country.  When  we  reached 
the  town,  we  found  that  the  post  quartermaster's  stores  had  all 
been  removed  some  few  days  before.  Our  quartermaster  had 
orders  in  case  no  rations  could  be  obtained  here,  to  go  on  some 
forty  miles  further  to  a  place  called  Lebanon,  where^  there 
was  a  large  depot  for  government  rations.  Our  quartermaster 
made  some  inquiries  as  to  the  nature  of  the  country  and  also  as 
to  a  place  to  park  the  teams  at  night.  Such  a  place  he  found 
about  four  miles  farther  on  the  road.  Here  we  parked  the  teams, 
and  a  man  named  Merrill,  on  whose  farm  we  were  encamped, 
agreed  to  get  us  supper.  The  party  consisted  of  just  fourteen 
persons,  the  quartermaster,  wagon  master,  eleven  teamsters,  and 
the  cook,  whose  name  I  cannot  recall,  but  who  belonged  to  Com 
pany  D,  of  Newport,  and  who,  I  think,  came  from  Block  Island. 

Our  wagon  master,  James  Whipple,  was  a  butcher  by  trade, 
and,  on  the  night  before,  he  had,  with  the  assistance  of  some  of 
the  teamsters,  killed  one  of  the  so-called  razor-backed  hogs, 
which,  not  having  had  time  to  cook,  he  had  hung  from  the  top 
of  one  of  the  wagons.  Quartermaster  Clarke  told  Mr.  Merrill 
that  all  he  need  provide  for  our  supper  was  some  hot  biscuit  and 

15 


226  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

coffee,  for  the  boys  had  some  rabbits  that  they  had  killed,  and, 
if  he  would  fry  them,  it  would  be  all  the  meat  they  wanted. 
Well !  If  you  could  have  seen  Mr.  Merrill  and  his  family  open 
their  eyes  when  our  men  carried  in  a  whole  ham  to  be  sliced  and 
fried!  There  was  a  laugh  all  around,  and  Mr.  Merrill  thought 
it  was  a  "pretty  large-sized  rabbit  that  had  a  hind-quarter  large 
enough  to  feed  fourteen  men."  We  had  a  good  supper  and  all 
seemed  to  enjoy  the  joke. 

We  slept  in  the  wagons  at  night  and  in  the  morntag  got  a  good 
start  for  Lebanon,  which  was  thirty-six  miles  away,  through  a 
rough  and  wooded  country.  We  arrived  at  about  eight  o'clock 
in  the  evening  and  parked  the  teams  a  short  distance  outside  of 
the  town.  Our  quartermaster  reported  immediately  to  the  post 
quartermaster  and  showed  his  requisition  for  eight  days'  rations 
for  one  thousand  men  and  forage  for  the  teams.  The  post  quar 
termaster  inquired  how  much  of  an  escort  he  had,  and,  when  he 
was  told  that  there  was  none,  he  was  greatly  surprised  that  we 
had  succeeded  in  coming  sixty  miles  through  a  guerilla  country 
without  being  molested.  He  said  we  would  not  get  back,  but 
would  be  "gobbled  up,"  and,  as  events  turned  out,  he  came  near 
being  correct,  for  the  country  through  which  we  had  come  was 
full  of  John  Morgan's  guerillas,  who  were  there  to  plunder  and 
steal.  After  taking  care  of  my  team,  I  went  down  to  the  town 
with  another  teamster  and  had  supper  there  in  a  hotel,  paying 
one  dollar — my  last  dollar — for  the  same. 

I  slept  in  the  wagon  during  the  night  and  got  some  coffee  and 
bacon  for  breakfast.  Then  the  work  of  loading  the  teams 
with  rations  began.  They  consisted  of  pork,  bacon,  rice,  hominy, 
salt  junk,  hard  bread,  coffee,  molasses,  sugar,  beans,  etc.,  and 
hay  and  oats  for  the  animals. 

By  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  we  started  on  our  return  trip, 
and,  after  going  about  twelve  miles,  we  parked  the  teams  for  the 
night  and  rolled  up  in  our  blankets  under  the  wagons.  After 
a  good  start  in  the  morning,  we  arrived  in  the  middle  of  the 
afternoon  at  Green  River,  about  twenty-four  miles  from  camp 
and  four  miles  from  Columbia.  Here  was  a  temporary  bridge 
in  place  of  the  regular  bridge  which  had  beeji  destroyed  by  the 
rebels.  About  two  hundred  men,  under  command  of  Colonel 
Moore,  of  an  Iowa  regiment,  guarded  this.  We  crossed  and  pro- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  227 

ceeded  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile,  when  we  stopped  to  feed 
the  mules.  While  we  were  here,  the  report  came  that  Morgan's 
men  were  in  Columbia  and  were  coming  down  the  road  we  were 
on.  Everyone  that  had  anything  that  he  did  not  want  confis 
cated  was  hustling  for  all  he  was  worth  to  get  it  out  of  sight 
and  hide  it  in  the  nearby  woods.  The  owner  of  a  variety  store 
beside  the  road  was  very  busy  in  this  occupation.  I  rather 
laughed  at  his  timidity,  for  I  did  not  think  there  was  any  danger, 
but  the  qudHermaster  was  told  that  the  best  thing  he  could  do 
was  to  get  back  over  the  bridge,  and  the  commander  of  the  Iowa 
troops  would  do  the  best  he  could  to  protect  the  train.  The 
quartermaster,  accordingly,  gave  the  order  to  go  back.  It  was  a 
down  grade,  and  the  way  the  mules  ran  with  the  loaded  wagons 
pushing  them  along  was  surprising.  Sometimes  they  stumbled, 
but  they  had  a  knack  of  righting  themselves,  so  we  did  not  stop 
till  we  got  across  the  bridge  and  parked  the  teams,  to  await  de 
velopments.  Colonel  Moore  sent  a  detachment  of  men  to  Colum 
bia,  and  they  cleaned  the  guerillas  out.  As  it  was  then  night, 
however,  we  did  not  move  at  once,  but  expected  to  get  an  early 
start  in  the  morning  and  go  through  to  camp. 

'  I  should  have  said  that  it  had  rained  every  day  since  we 
started,  and  a  heavy  shower  had  fallen  during  the  night,  so  that 
the  river  was  greatly  swollen,  and  was,  in  fact,  in  the  condition 
of  a  freshet.  The  bridge,  rather  a  weak  concern,  was  only  a 
temporary  structure,  whose  uprights  were  made  of  trees  cut  in 
the  woods.  Scantlings  and  girders  were  nailed  from  one  to  an 
other  of  these  to  steady  them,  and,  on  the  girders,  planks  were 
laia  crosswise.  The  driftwood  collected  here,  and  the  water, 
rushing  along,  formed  a  sort  of  gorge.  In  the  morning  it  had 
'the  appearance  of  a  rainbow,  and,  seemingly,  it  was  not  safe  for 
anyone  to  cross,  mud-  less  eleven  six-mule  teams,  loaded  to  their 
full  capacity.  We  sat  on  the  bank  watching  the  driftwood  come 
down,  and  about  nine  o'clock  the  bridge  trembled  and  gave  way. 
There  we  were,  twenty-four  miles  from  camp,  with  Green  River 
between  us  and  the  regiment,  and  the  bridge  gone.  Rather  a 
dubious  outlook,  especially  as  we  had  no  one  that  knew  the  coun 
try,  which,  as  we  knew,  was  full  of  rebels.  Our  quartermaster 
saw  that  something  must  be  done  to  inform  Colonel  Browne  of 
our  situation,  so  he  arranged  with  Colonel  Moore  to  send  a  man 


228  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

in  a  rebel  uniform  across  on  a  raft  to  try  to  reach  the  regiment 
and  report  to  the  colonel.  The  raft  was  built  quite  a  way  up 
stream,  and  the  cook,  who  was  the  Block  Island  man  before  re 
ferred  to,  boarded  it  and  pushed  out  into  the  stream.  Finally, 
he  landed  on  the  other  side,  about  half  a  mile  below  the  starting- 
point.  That  it  took  some  nerve  and  sand  to  go  through  a  guerilla 
country  twenty-four  miles,  disguised  in  a  rebel  uniform,  is  put 
ting  it  mildly.  However,  he  accomplished  the  feat,  after  running 
some  very  narrow  chances  of  being  captured. 

On  Monday  and  Tuesday,  while  he  was  gone,  we  saddled  the 
mules  and  rode  back  into  the  country  and  traded  government 
rations  for  eggs  and  milk,  etc.  Tuesday  afternoon  there  arrived 
an  escort  of  thirty-five  men,  under  command  of  Captain  Higley, 
of  the  Seventh  Ohio  Cavalry,  with  maps  and  directions.  We 
were  to  go  back  and  up  the  river  to  a  place  called  Neatsville, 
where  there  was  a  fording-place.  We  started  next  morning,  and, 
after  thirty-five  miles  of  the  roughest  traveling  I  have  ever  done, 
arrived  at  Neatsville.  This  took  us  two  days.  The  road  was  a 
mere  cart-path  through  the  woods,  and  in  some  places  we  had  to 
chain  the  wheels  and  all  hold  on  to  the  wagons  to  keep  them 
from  tipping  over.  After  fording  the  river,  we  parked  the  teams 
and  went  in  bathing. 

We  got  up  early  in  the  morning,  and,  after  a  breakfast  of  hard 
tack  and  coffee,  we  hitched  up  the  teams  and  started.  Just  be 
fore  we  reached  the  main  cart-path,  we  met  a  man  with  a  tip-cart 
and  a  yoke  of  oxen.  Our  quartermaster  was  surprised  to  see 
him  so  early  in  the  morning,  as  it  was  hardly  sunrise.  He  asked 
the  man  where  he  was  going  and  what  he  had  in  his  cart.  The 
man  said  he  was  going  to  "Jimtown,"  where  there  were  Union 
soldiers,  and,  as  the  next  day  was  the  Fourth  of  July,  he  was 
going  to  give  the  boys  a  picnic.  He  had  been  all  around  the 
neighborhood,  and  all  the  Union  people  had  contributed.  Some 
had  given  pies,  others  doughnuts,  cookies,  cake,  etc.;  in  fact,  he 
had  a  whole  cart-load  of  good  things.  Our  quartermaster  had 
quite  a  talk  with  him  and  asked  him  for  information  in  regard 
to  the  road,  etc.  He  started  along  and  we  followed  about  fifteen 
minutes  later.  We  had  not  gone  far  when  the  quartermaster 
came  alongside  of  rny  team,  which  led  the  train,  and  said,  "Thede, 
I  am  on  the  wrong  road."  He  thought  he  should  have  taken  the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  229 

path  to  the  left,  instead  of  the  one  to  the  right.  After  a  con 
sultation  with  Captain  Higley,  it  was  decided  that  the  only  thing 
to  do  was  to  keep  on  till  we  canie  to  an  opening  large  enough  for 
us  to  turn  around  in.  We  were  then  at  the  foot  of  a  mountain, 
and  there  was  just  room  enough  for  the  teams  to  wriggle  in  be 
tween  the  stones.  However,  we  finally  reached  the  top  and 
found  an  open  space.  We  could  see  that  cavalry  had  been  here 
the  night  before.  Of  course,  this  did  not  look  right,  especially 
as  the  indications  pointed  to  quite  a  party  of  them.  The  teams 
were  turned  around,  and  we  started  back  down  the  mountain 
till  we  came  to  the  right  road.  WTe  finally  got  straightened  out 
all  right  on  the  right  path  and  were  going  along  at  a  good  pace 
to  make  up  for  lost  time,  when  we  suddenly  met  a  company  of 
guerillas,  who  were  going  to  Neatsville  to  get  horses  and  such 
other  things  as  their  sympathizers  had  collected.  They  ran  into 
our  advance  guard,  and  I  think  they  were  more  surprised  than 
we  were,  for  they  did  not  know  whether  they  had  struck  a  regi 
ment  of  cavalry  or  not.  Their  commander,  Captain  Salter,  who 
was  captured  said  that  if  he  had  known  we  were  a  wagon  train 
he  would  have  attacked  the  rear  at  the  same  time,  and  thus,  by 
preventing  Captain  Higley  from  consolidating  his  men,  made  it 
more  difficult  to  protect  us.  As  it  was,  there  was  quite  a  skir 
mish.  The  rear  guard  was  notified,  and  came  to  the  front  with 
their  carbines  and  seven-shooters.  They  charged  the  rebels  im 
mediately,  and  made  it  so  Jiot  for  the  guerillas  that  they  broke 
and  retreated,  some  to  the  woods,  others  along  the  road.  As  a 
result,  we  captured  five  prisoners,  one  of  whom  was  wounded, 
who  was  put  into  my  wagon.  He  had  been  shot  in  the  cheek  and 
made  a  great  fuss  because  we  did  not  have  a  surgeon  to  dress 
his  wound.  1  told  him  it  would  have  served  him  right  if  he  had 
been  killed,  for  they  had  attacked  us,  meaning  to  kill  or  cap 
ture  us  and  destroy  our  train.  We  had  orders  to  move  on  and 
keep  closed  up,  for  it  was  expected  that  the  guerillas  would  make 
another  attack.  They  did  so,  about  half  a  mile  farther  on  at  the 
top  of  a  hill.  But  the  guard  charged  them  again,  and  they  scat 
tered.  One  was  wounded,  and  he,  with  another,  who  stayed  to 
assist  him,  was  taken  prisoner.  As  I  have  before  said,  the 
guerillas  were  coming  along  the  road  to  go  to  Neatsville,  and  be 
fore  they  met  us  they  had  come  across  the  man  with  the  ox-cart 


230  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

full  of  "good  things."  He  had  not  told  them  about  our  train, 
or  else  they  would  not  have  been  so  surprised  when  they  met  us. 
As  it  was,  they  had  cleaned  the  old  man  out  of  all  his  sweet 
meats.  The  road  where  they  retreated  was  strewed  with 
pies,  cakes,  cookies,  etc.,  for  nearly  half  a  mile.  The  pris 
oners  whom  we  had  taken  said  they  had  sixty  men  and 
expected  re-enforcements  before  night.  About  noon  Captain 
Higley  thought  it  best  to  send  a  messenger  ahead  to  camp 
for  re-enforcements.  He  did  so,  and  some  fifty  of  Colonel 
Wolford's  cavalry  met  us  about  five  or  six  miles  from  the 
regiment,  all  of  them  just  crazy  for  a  fight.  They  scoured 
all  around  that  afternoon  and  the  next  day,  and  took  twenty- 
eight  more  prisoners,  making  thirty-five  in  all.  Colonel  Browne 
had  charge  of  the  prisoners,  and  we  had  them  on  our  return  trip, 
which  took  a  week  more.  The  last  we  saw  of  them  was  at  Stan 
ford,  where  there  was  a  rebel  prison. 


'!.  Y. 


WALTER  A.  SCOTT. 
(From  a  recent  picture.) 


REMINISCENCES. 

BY    WALTER   A.   SCOTT. 


ALTHOUGH  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  was  replete  with 
many  historically  important  incidents,  to  me  it  is  most  remem 
bered  because  of  two  happenings  of  a  purely  personal  nature. 
In  the  early  morning  hours  of  the  llth  of  December,  1862,  while 
the  artillery  coming  from  all  directions  was  taking  position  on 
the  heights  to  support  the  crossing  of  the  army,  I  with  others, 
was  looking  for  Rhode  Island  batteries  as  they  passed.  While 
so  engaged  I  heard  some  one  inquiring  for  me  and  was  overjoyed 
to  meet  my  father,  who  was  in  Hazard's  Battery  B.  He  grasped 
my  hand  and  asked  about  my  health  and  for  news  from  home. 
This  meeting  was  all  too  brief  as  he  was  obliged  by  duty  to 
leave  hurriedly  and  rejoin  his  command.  Two  days  later,  in  the 
evening  after  the  battle,  one  of  his  comrades  came  to  me  with 
the  information  that  he  had  been  severely  wounded  and  desired 
to  see  me.  I  obtained  permission  to  go  to  him,  but  was  too  late, 
as  he  had  been  moved  across  the  river,  and  a  few  days  later  was 
sent  forward  to  Washington.  Our  meeting  was  thus  postponed 
until  our  return  to  Rhode  Island,  he  disabled  by  the  two  wounds 
received  in  action,  I  safe  and  sound,  and  both  with  the  terrible 
experiences  of  that  eventful  13th  of  December,  1862,  on  the  dis 
astrous  field  of  Fredericksburg,  indelibly  impressed  on  our  mem 
ories.  ' 


1  At  this  battle  Battery  B,  known  as  Hazard's  Rhode  Island  Battery,  fought  bravely  under 

a  hot  fire  in  fro»t  of  the  stone  wall  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  Heights,  losing  sixteen  men 

wounded  (sere ral  of  whom  subsequently  died  from  their  wounds);  twelve  battery  horses 

were  shot,  also  the  horses  of  Captain  Hazard  and  Lieutenants  Bloodgood  and  Milne. 

General  Couch  who  commanded  the  Second  Corps  in  this  action  in  his  official  report  says  : 

"  While  Humphreys  was  at  work,  Getty's  division  of  Willcox's  corps  was  ordered  about 

three  o'clock  to  the  charge  on  our  left  by  the  unfinished  railroad.    1  could  see  the  men  were 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

As  I  have  already  said,  there  are  many  incidents  connected 
with  that  battle  the  recollections  of  which  can  never  be  forgot 
ten,  but  none  that  has  made  such  a  vivid  impression  upon  my 
mind  as  the  one  I  am  now  about  to  relate :  On  the  morning  of 
the  llth  of  December,  1862,  our  regiment  was  formed  in  line  on 
Stafford's  Heights,  opposite  Fredericksburg.  We  were  in  light 
marching  order,  our  blankets  and  shelter  tents  rolled  and  slung 
about  our  shoulders,  with  three  days'  rations  and  extra  ammuni 
tion,  and  waiting  for  the  pontoon  bridges  to  be  laid  to  enable  us 
to  cross  the  river  to  the  city.  We  had  been  in  line  for  hours 
while  the  batteries  near  us  were  shelling  the  city  and  trying  to 
dislodge  the  sharpshooters  opposing  the  engineers  who  were  lay 
ing  the  bridges.  It  became  tiresome  to  me  and  I  longed  to  move 
about,  although  strict  orders  had  been  given  that  no  one  should 
leave  the  ranks  as  we  were  likely  to  move  at  any  moment.  A 
short  time  previous  an  old  schoolmate,  from  the  Fourth  Regi 
ment  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  had  visited  me  and  invited  me 
over  to  a  little  feast  they  were  preparing.  Thoughts  of  this  and 
the  irksomeness  of  standing  idle  at  last  overcame  me.  I  was  in 
the  rear  rank,  and,  watching  a  time  when  none  of  the  officers 
were  looking,  I  asked  a  comrade  to  hold  my  musket  for  me  while 
I  stepped  out  of  the  ranks  for  a  few  minutes.  He,  being  older, 


being  dreadfully  cut  up,  although  they  had  not  advanced  as  far  as  my  men.  I  determined 
to  send  a  battery  upon  the  plain  to  shell  the  line  that  was  doing  them  so  much  harm,  so 
I  ordered  an  aide  to  tell  Captain  Morgan  (chief  of  artillery  of  the  Second  Corps),  to  send  a 
battery  across  the  canal  and  plant  it  near  the  Brick  House.  Morgan  came  to  me  and  said : 
'  My  God !  General !  You  will  lose  your  guns,  a  battery  cannot  live  there ! '  My  reply  was  : 
'  Then  it  can  die  there  !  I  would  rather  lose  my  guns  than  so  many  of  my  men ;  put  them  in.' 
Hazard's  Battery  B,  First  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  was  the  one  to  be 
sacrificed. 

"  Without  a  murmur,  Captain  Hazard  dashed,  with  his  six  twelve-pounders,  into  the  street, 
over  the  bridge,  and,  getting  into  action  on  the  left  of  the  road,  opened  fire  with  a  rapidity 
which  well  served  my  purpose,  to  hearten  our  men  lying  down  in  front,  and  create  in  the 
mind  of  the  enemy  the  expectation  of  a  new  assault,  which  would  draw  their  fire  and 
relieve  the  pressure  on  the  Ninth  Corps. 

"  The  right  section  of  Hazard's  battery  under  Lieut.  G.  W.  Adams,  a  cool  and  capable 
officer,  is  still  further  advanced  in  the  road  in  line  of  the  Brick  House.  Three  number 
ones  are  struck  down  in  quick  succession,  at  the  muzzle  of  the  guns,  but  still  the  pieces 
were  served  in  that  perilous  place  as  steadily  as  if  at  a  review. 

"Men  never  fought  more  gallantly.  When  General  Hooker  returned  to  the  field  he 
ordered  Frank's  battery  (G,  First  New  York,)  to  the  ridge  on  Hazard's  left  in  support.  But 
this  last  effort  did  not  last  long.  Never  before,  I  believe,  was  artillery  so  far  advanced  in 
plain  sight  without  cover  against  an  intrenched  enemy.  The  object  of  the  daring  enterprise 
was  accomplished,  and  the  guns  were  ultimately  withdrawn  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
piece,  and  Battery  B,  First  Regiment  Rhode  Island  Light  Artillery,  Capt.  John  G.  Hazard 
commanding,  was  placed  upon  record." 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  233 

cautioned  me  not  to  go  too  far.  I  managed  to  get  away  un 
noticed  by  any  of  my  officers  and  made  the  trip  of  about  half  a 
mile  to  where  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island  was  encamped.  They 
had  been  on  picket  duty  the  night  previous  and  were  relieved 
from  duty  for  the  day.  As  I  had  expected,  I  found  a  number 
of  my  old  acquaintances  who  were  delightel  to  see  me,  and  who 
treated  me  royally.  The  feast,  I  found,  consisted  of  boiled  rice, 
molasses  and  coffee,  and  no  one  but  a  hungry  soldier  can  under 
stand  how  good  that  meal  tasted  to  me.  The  time  passed  so 
pleasantly  that  it  was  some  time  before  I  realized  that  I  had 
been  away  longer  than  was  safe.  It  was  fast  growing  dark,  and 
so  bidding  my  friends  good-bye,  I  hurried  back  to  join  my  com 
pany.  The  thought  then  came  to  me  like  a  flash — what  if  the 
company  had  moved  across  the  river  and  gone  into  action?  How 
was  I  to  join  them,  and,  failing  to  do  so,  would  I  be  reported  as 
absent  without  leave  at  roll  call?  Possibly  I  would  be  reported 
as  a  deserter  and  court-martialled  for  deserting  in  the  face  of 
the  enemy.  How  could  I  explain  my  disobedience  of  orders? 
I  had  acted  on  the  impulse  of  the  moment  in  leaving  my  regi 
ment,  not  thinking  of  disobeying  orders  or  the  consequences 
which  might  result  from  my  thoughtlessness.  The  mental  an 
guish  I  endured  until  I  found  our  regiment  was  the  most  ter 
rible  of  my  war-time  experiences.  I  hurried  back  as  rapidly  as 
possible,  but  the  way  was  difficult.  It  had  grown  dark  and  I 
could  not  recognize  anything  familiar.  The  regiments  that  had 
covered  the  field  early  in  the  day  had  gone.  Very  few  troops 
were  about,  only  a  few  stragglers  here  and  there.  No  one  I  met 
could  give  me  any  definite  information  as  to  where  I  could  find 
my  regiment.  One  party  said  all  the  troops  had  crossed  the 
river,  which  information  frightened  me  still  more.  In  the  dark 
ness  I  was  partially  lost  and  unable  to  locate  the  direction  of 
our  camp.  The  only  thing  I  could  do  was  to  find  the  camp  we 
Jiad  left  in  the  morning.  As  our  extra  baggage,  knapsacks,  etc., 
were  left  under  camp  guard,  I  knew  I  would  find  friends  there. 
After  a  search  of  nearly  an  hour  I  at  last  found  the  Twelfth. 
It  had  been  ordered  back  to  our  old  camp  at  about  dusk  as  only 
a  part  of  the  army  crossed  the  river  that  day.  To  say  that  I 
was  glad  to  again  be  with  my  company  but  feebly  expresses  my 


234  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

feelings.  I  had  come  to  a  full  realization  of  what  might  have 
been  my  punishment  had  I  failed  to  be  present  at  roll  call.  My 
comrade  with  whom  I  had  left  my  musket  gave  me  a  severe  lec 
ture  for  disobeying  orders.  This  experience  taught  me  to  obey 
orders  implicitly  and  to  never  leave  my  company  when  under 
orders,  without  permission,  a  lesson  which  I  never  forgot  dur 
ing  the  rest  of  my  service. 


PART  FOURTH 


QUARTERM  ASTER- SERGT.  PARDON  E.  TILLINGHAST. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


REMINISCENCES  OF  SERVICE  WITH  THE  TWELFTH 
RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 


BY  PARDON  E.  TILLINGHAST. 


THE  months  of  July,  August,  September,  and  October  of  1862, 
were  stirring  times  in  Rhode  Island, — and  in  fact  throughout  the 
entire  North.  The  vigorous  onward  movement  of  our  army  to 
wards  Richmond,  which  had  been  long  and  frequently  promised, 
was  still  deferred.  The  decisive  victory  won  by  the  Union  forces 
over  Lee's  army  at  Malvern  Hill  at  great  cost,  which,  in  the 
judgment  of  every  officer  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  save  one, 
and  he  the  chief,  should  have  been  immediately  followed  by  a 
determined  advance  towards  the  rebel  stronghold,  which  was 
only  about  a  day's  march  distant,  was  supplemented  by  the  now 
somewhat  stereotyped  order  to  "fall  back,"  thus  presenting  the 
not  altogether  inspiring  military  spectacle  of  a  victorious  army 
running  away  from  its  defeated  and  thoroughly  demoralized 
enemy. 

General  Pope's  campaign  in  Northern  Virginia,  inaugurated 
with  a  great  flourish  of  trumpets,  had  resulted  disastrously;  the 
rebel  army  was  greatly  encouraged  by  the  inactivity  and  the  va 
cillating  conduct  of  their  opponents,  and  had  commenced  a  vigor 
ous  aggressive  movement.  The  National  capital  was  again  in 
imminent  peril,  causing  a  feverish  excitement  throughout  the 
country;  Baltimore  and  Cincinnati  were  seriously  threatened, 
and  a  great  crisis  was  evidently  at  hand.  Vigorous  measures 
must  be  adopted  at  once,  or  our  boasted  Republic  would  soon  be 
a  thing  of  the  past. 

The  President,  in  view  of  the  great  emergency,  had  ordered 
drafts,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  six  hundred  thousand  men, 
one-half  thereof  for  three  years  and  the  other  half  for  nine 
months,  the  latter  to  be  drawn  from  the  enrolled  militia;  and  the 


288  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

utmost  activity  everywhere  prevailed  in  connection  with,  the  rais 
ing,  equipping  and  forwarding  of  this  vast  army  of  recruits. 

Rhode  Island  was  thoroughly  alive  to  the  occasion,  determined 
not  to  be  outdone  by  any  of  her  sister  states  in  meeting  this  new 
and  pressing  demand  upon  her  loyalty  and  her  resources;  and 
meeting  it,  too,  if  possible,  without  resort  to  a  draft,  which,  of 
course  was  obnoxious  to  the  sentiments  of  the  people.  In  order 
to  promote  enlistments,  the  stores  in  some  places  were  closed 
at  three  P.  M.  each  day;  war  meetings  were  held  every  evening 
and  the  greatest  enthusiasm  was  manifested.  The  whole 
State  seemed  to  be  one  vast  recruiting  camp,  and  all  the 
people,  both  male  and  female,  to  be  engaged  in  the  business. 
For  it  should  ever  be  remembered,  to  the  praise  of  the  women  of 
Rhode  Island,  that  they  were  fully  as  loyal  and  as  devoted  to 
our  country's  cause  during  the  Rebellion,  as  were  the  men;  and 
that  in  very  many  cases  they  suffered  and  sacrificed  quite  as 
much  at  home,  though  in  different  ways,  as  did  their  husbands 
and  sons  and  brothers  in  the  field. 

In  such  a  state  of  public  feeling,  what  could  I,  a  young  un 
married  man,  do  consistently  with  a  fair  amount  of  self-respect 
but  enlist?  Evidently  nothing;  and  so  I  left  the  teacher's  desk 
and  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  C,  Eleventh  Rhode  Island 
Volunteers,  under  Capt.  Charles  W.  Thrasher.  I  was  detailed 
for  service  in  the  quartermaster's  department  under  Lieut.  John 
L.  Clarke,  and  shortly  after  was  transferred  with  him  (I  never 
knew  why)  to  the  Twelfth,  and  was  appointed  by  Colonel  Browne 
to  the  office  of  quartermaster-sergeant. 

Camp  Stevens,  in  Providence,  was  a  lively  place  during  the 
latter  part  of  September  and  the  first  part  of  October,  1862. 
The  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  regiments  were  both  encamped  there 
together  during  a  part  of  this  time,  preparatory  to  their  de 
parture  for  the  seat  of  war.  The  former  left  on  Monday,  Octo 
ber  6th,  and  the  latter  on  Tuesday,  October  21st. 

The  Twelfth  Regiment  was  composed  mainly  of  good  Rhode 
Island  material,  and  was  officered  by  intelligent,  patriotic,  and 
brave-hearted  men.  There  were  representatives  from  nearly  all 
of  the  ordinary  walks  and  callings  of  life,  thus  furnishing  the 
command  with  facilities  for  almost  any  emergency;  and  it  was 
proverbial  that  whatever  could  be  done  by  anybody  could  be 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  239 

done  by  some  one  in  this  regiment.  The  officers  and  the  privates 
were  well-disposed  towards  each  other;  there  was  a  prevalent 
spirit  of  prompt  obedience  to  orders;  and,  in  general,  a  manifest 
disposition  on  the  part  of  all  to  make  themselves  useful  and  ser 
viceable  both  to  the  Government  and  to  each  other. 

A  journey  of  seventy-seven  hours  from  Providence,  partly  by 
rail,  partly  by  water,  and  partly  on  foot,  brought  this  newly- 
formed  regiment  to  Camp  Chase,  which  was  situated  across  the 
Potomac  from  Washington,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Arlington 
Heights.  The  work  of  pitching  our  tents  was  at  once  commenced 
and  rapidly  pushed  forward.  But  before  it  was  completed,  a 
violent  storm  of  wind  and  rain  broke  upon  us  which  continued 
for  nearly  two  days  without  intermission.  And  such  a  storm ! 
I  think  I  never  saw  the  like  before  or  since.  It  did  not  simply 
rain,  but  it  came  down  in  great  broad  sheets  of  water ;  it  poured ; 
it  came  in  great  gusts.  And  then  the  wind — it  whirled,  it  roared, 
it  got  upon  its  giant  legs  and  fairly  howled  with  rage  as  the 
weary  hours  of  that  first  night  in  camp  wore  away. 

And  such  a  sorry  sight  as  that  camp  presented  the  next  morn 
ing  was  not  calculated  to  promote  one's  military  enthusiasm,  to 
say  the  least.  Many  of  the  tents,  all  of  which  had  been  hastily 
erected,  had  been  blown  down  during  the  night,  and  the  drenched 
and  shivering  inmates  were  wandering  about  in  search  of  shelter 
or  assistance  in  again  erecting  their  uncertain  habitations.  Bag 
gage  and  camp  equipage  were  scattered  in  all  directions,  and 
confusion  held  high  carnival  generally.  As  if  this  were  not 
enough  for  beginners,  we  were  also  treated  to  our  first  install 
ment  of  Virginia  mud,  which  covered  the  entire  surface  of  the 
ground  to  a  depth  of  two  or  three  inches.  No  description  of  this 
unique  article,  however,  is  necessary  here.  It  is  perhaps  need 
less  to  say  that  our  first  impressions  of  a  soldier's  life  in  the 
"Sunny  South"  were  not  altogether  favorable. 

But  this  storm,  like  all  others,  came  to  an  end,  and  the  bright, 
warm  sunshine,  together  with  the  diligence  of  many  busy  hands, 
soon  repaired  most  of  the  damage;  so  that  the  regiment  was  able 
to  appear  on  brigade  review  in  gallant  style,  on  Tuesday,  the 
28th  of  October,  the  fourth  day  after  our  arrival,  before  the  ven 
erable  General  Casey,  in  whose  division  it  had  been  brigaded. 

One  week  was  the  length  of  our  stay  at  Camp  Chase,  at  the 


240  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

end  of  which  brief  period  we  folded  our  tents  and  made  a  "Sab 
bath  Day's  journey/'  although  somewhat  longer  than  that  per 
mitted  by  the  Jewish  economy  on  that  sacred  day,  to  Fairfax 
Seminary.  (I  may  remark  in  passing  that  perhaps  not  the  most 
scrupulous  regard  was  had  by  most  of  the  commanders  who  con 
ducted  the  operations  of  our  armies,  either  to  the  Jewish  or 
Christian  economy  concerning  the  Sabbath  day.)  This  proved 
to  be  a  charming  location,  indeed.  The  land  was  high,  overlook 
ing  the  broad  Potomac  for  a  long  distance;  the  city  of  Alex 
andria  situated  two  miles  to  the  south,  was  in  full  view,  while  in 
the  distance  on  our  left  was  the  magnificent  dome  of  the  Capitol 
at  Washington.  The  land  sloped  in  a  broad,  undulating  sweep 
towards  the  Potomac  in  front  of  us ;  the  large  and  dignified  brick 
buildings  of  Fairfax  Seminary,  then  used  as  a  hospital,  were 
situated  just  to  the  north,  in  the  rear,  surrounded  by  a  stately 
grove  of  trees  (which,  sad  to  say,  speedily  succumbed  to  the 
soldier's  axe)  ;  several  fine  country  residences  were  scattered 
about  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  evidently  the  recent  homes  of 
affluence  and  luxury,  but  now  abandoned  to  the  tender  mercies  of 
strangers  in  arms,  being  used  mainly  by  general  and  field  officers, 
with  their  staffs,  for  headquarters.  And  although  their  owners 
were  rebels  fighting  against  the  Government,  I  must,  neverthe 
less,  confess  to  a  strong  feeling  of  sympathy  which  I  then  had  for 
them,  and  thousands  like  them,  in  the  untold  and  untenable  dis 
tress,  privation,  and  suffering  which  they  and  their  families  must 
have  experienced  in  being  driven  as  exiles  from  their  homes  and 
firesides,  their  property  appropriated  to  the  use  of  their  enemies, 
and  what  they,  in  the  main,  honestly  considered  their  inalienable 
rights,  taken  from  them.  But  such  is  and  will  continue  to  be 
the  fate  of  war. 

Kegiments  of  soldiers  were  on  every  side  of  us.  A  few  rods  in 
front  was  the  Fifteenth  Connecticut,  Colonel  Wright;  in  the  rear 
was  the  Thirteenth  New  Hampshire,  Colonel  Stevens;  on  the 
right  the  Twenty-seventh  New  Jersey,  Colonel  Mindil;  and  on 
the  left  a  stalwart  regiment  of  "six  footers"  from  Maine;  while 
for  a  mile  or  more  in  all  directions  little  else  was  visible  but 
camps  of  soldiers.  Truly  this  was  a  "tented  field."  Everything 
about  our  new  camp,  which  was  named  Camp  Casey,  was  soon 
put  in  the  best  of  order,  cleanliness  and  good  order  being  prime 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  241 

virtues  with  Colonel  Browne,  and  always  being  strenuously  in 
sisted  on. 

One  company  was  detailed  each  day  at  first  for  picket  duty 
on  the  long  line  at  the  front  near  Cloud's  Mills,  which  was  about 
five  miles  distant;  but  subsequently  the  entire  regiment  per 
formed  this  duty  for  twenty-four  hours  at  a  time,  alternating 
with  the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade.  The  regiment  was  dili 
gently  perfecting  itself  in  the  manual  of  arms,  and  a  military 
air  and  bearing  were  everywhere  apparent.  We  had  now  com 
menced  soldiering  in  good  earnest.  My  principal  duties,  under 
the  direction  of  the  quartermaster,  were  to  see  that  the  commis 
sary  department  was  kept  constantly  supplied  with  everything  in 
the  way  of  subsistence  which  the  army  regulations  allowed. 
Washington  and  Alexandria  were  the  great  reservoirs  of  these 
supplies,  and  to  one  or  the  other  of  these  places  I  went  three  or 
four  times  a  wTeek,  accompanied  by  two  or  more  four-mule  teams, 
with  which  to  haul  the  stores  to  camp.  The  great  army  bakery 
was  in  the  basement  of  the  Capitol  building,  whither  we  went 
for  our  supply  of  bread.  And  I  think  I  do  not  exaggerate  by 
saying  that  I  have  seen  a  line  of  army  wagons  half  a  mile  or 
more  in  length,  each  awaiting  its  turn  to  be  filled  with  the  nice 
brown  loaves.  I  need  hardly  say  that  after  leaving  the  vicinity 
of  Washington  we  bade  an  enforced  good-bye  to  soft  bread. 

On  one  of  my  journeys  to  Alexandria  after  getting  my  teams 
loaded  with  rations,  I  took  a  stroll  about  the  somewhat  an 
tiquated  city,  visiting  places  of  interest,  amongst  which  was  the 
Marshall  House,  where  the  brave  Colonel  Ellsworth  met  his  ter 
rible  fate,  and  from  which  house  the  entire  banisters  of  the 
stairs  which  he  ascended  in  going  to  the  roof  to  haul  down  a 
rebel  flag,  had  been  carried  away  piecemeal  by  visitors,  as  memen 
toes  of  the  tragic  event.  Other  parts  of  the  building  had  also 
been  sadly  mutilated  for  the  same  purpose.  But  the  Stars  and 
Stripes  had  permanently  supplanted  the  rebel  flag  hauled  down 
by  the  lamented  Ellsworth,  and  were  proudly  floating  from  that 
now  historic  building. 

I  also  visited  another  place  of  interest,  but  with  what  different 
feelings  I  will  not  attempt  to  relate.  It  was  a  large  block  which 
bore  the  following  prominent  sign :  "PRICE,  BIRCH  £  Cov  DEAL 
ERS  IN  SLAVES."  Connected  with  it  was  a  huge  pen  to  hold  the 

16 


242  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

slaves,  and  an  auction  block  from  which  thousands  doubtless  had 
been  bought  and  sold.  But  for  this  establishment  and  what  it 
represented,  neither  the  tragic  scene  at  the  Marshall  House  nor 
the  gigantic  military  operations  then  going  on  from  one  end  of 
the  country  to  the  other,  would  ever  have  been  witnessed. 

I  was  also  mail-carrier  for  the  regiment  to  and  from  the  post 
office  in  Alexandria,  and  was  always  cheerfully  received  on  my 
return  with  a  heavy  mail;  for  amongst  the  chief  delights  of  a 
soldier  was  a  letter  from  home.  As  there  was  no  salary  attached 
to  this  branch  of  the  mail  service  I  was  not  accused  of  offensive 
partisanship,  but  permitted  to  hold  the  office  to  the  end  of  my 
term  of  enlistment. 

Nov.  27,  1862,  was  recognized  by  us  as  Thanksgiving  Day,  al 
though  the  turkey,  without  which  no  Yankee  can  properly  ob 
serve  the  day,  was  conspicuous  only  by  its  absence.  The  usual 
amusements  of  the  occasion,  however,  including  a  sack  race  be 
tween  two  men,  each  enveloped  in  a  bedsack  drawn  up  and  tied 
under  his  chin,  were  engaged  in  and  greatly  enjoyed.  The  gov 
ernor's  proclamation  was  read  by  Chaplain  Field,  and  appropri 
ate  religious  services  were  conducted  by  him  in  front  of  head 
quarters. 

As  it  had  been  currently  rumored  for  some  time  that  Camp 
Casey  was  to  be  our  winter  quarters,  the  boys  had  taken  great 
pains  to  make  their  habitations  as  snug  and  cosy  as  possible  for 
the  rapidly  approaching  cold  weather.  The  non-commissioned 
staff,  of  which  I  was  a  member,  appropriated  to  their  use  a  roof 
less  negro  hut  in  the  rear  of  the  stately  old  mansion  house  which 
was  occupied  by  the  colonel  and  staff  for  headquarters,  and  by 
using  the  fly  of  a  large  tent  for  a  roof,  and  otherwise  improving 
it,  we  converted  it  into  very  comfortable  quarters,  anticipating 
quite  a  jolly  time  therein  during  the  winter.  The  mess  consisted 
of  Sergt.-Maj.  Daniel  R.  Ballou,  subsequently  promoted  to  the 
office  of  lieutenant  before  the  regiment  left  Fairfax  Seminary; 
Commissary  Sergt.  Amasa  F.  Eddy;  Quartermaster's  Clerk 
Erastus  Richardson;  the  quartermaster  sergeant,  and  William, 
the  colored  boy. 

But  alas  for  all  plans  which  have  no  firmer  base  than  rumors 
in  the  army.  For  the  regiment  had  no  more  than  fully  settled 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  243 

down  to  housekeeping  for  the  winter,  when,  on  Sunday,  Novem 
ber  30th,  orders  were  received  that  Colonel  Wright's  brigade,  of 
which  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  was  a  part,  would  move  to  the 
front  the  next  day  at  twelve  o'clock.  As  to  their  destination,  no 
one  knew  save  Colonel  Browne,  if  indeed  he  did,  and,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  speculations  and  conjectures  of  all  sorts  were  freely 
indulged  in.  "Shelter  tents"  were  issued  at  once,  the  men  were 
ordered  to  provide  themselves  with  three  days'  cooked  rations 
and  have  everything  in  readiness  to  move  promptly  at  the  ap 
pointed  time.  Truly,  "there  was  hurrying  to  and  fro,  and  gather 
ing  in  hot  haste,"  each  one  busily  making  ready  for  his  unknown 
journey.  There  was  but  very  little  grumbling  about  leaving  our 
nicely  arranged  camp  and  beautiful  situation,  although  we  had 
but  very  recently  received  what  seemed  to  be  almost  a  positive 
promise  that  these  should  be  our  winter  quarters. 

The  baggage  was  reduced  to  the  lowest  marching  standard, 
and  the  men  ordered  to  take  nothing  in  their  knapsacks  except 
what  they  actually  needed.  The  consequence  was  that  a  large 
portion  of  their  "traps"  had  to  be  left  behind,  and,  judging  from 
the  number  of  officers'  trunks  which  I  shipped  to  Rhode  Island 
after  the  regiment  left,  I  doubt  not  that  more  dress  uniforms 
adorned  the  wardrobes  at  home  than  their  owners  in  the  field. 
Such  things  look  exceedingly  nice  on  dress  parade  or  review,  but 
they  are  not  altogether  useful  on  a  forced  march  or  in  a  fight. 

The  hour  of  departure  having  arrived,  the  companies  marched 
from  their  several  streets,  the  regimental  line  was  formed,  and 
all  was  in  readiness  for  a  move.  I  must  confess  to  an  almost 
overwhelming  feeling  of  loneliness  as  I  saw  the  long  soldierly 
column  moving  off,  led  by  the  splendid  band  of  the  Thirteenth 
New  Hampshire,  for  amongst  other  things  I  thought  it  quite 
probable  that  before  I  should  again  see  them,  their  ranks  might 
be  thinned  by  the  terrible  shock  of  battle.  And  so,  alas!  they 
were.  But  having  received  orders  from  the  colonel  to  remain  in 
charge  of  the  camp,  which  remained  as  before,  except  that  its 
occupants  were  gone,  the  tents  being  all  left  standing,  I  had  no 
alternative  but  to  obey.  About  seventy  men  were  left  in  the 
camp,  all  of  whom,  with  the  exception  of  the  quartermaster's 
clerk  and  myself,  were  on  the  sick  list.  Truly  this  was  "a  sick 


244  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

house  with  no  doctor,"  for  the  surgeon  and  each  of  his  assistants 
had  gone  forward  with  the  regiment.  We  were  cheered,  how 
ever,  just  at  evening  by  the  return  of  our  kind-hearted  assistant 
surgeon,  Dr.  Prosper  K.  Hutchinson,  now  long  since  gone  to 
his  reward,  who  was  sent  back  to  remain  with  the  sick  ones  until 
they  should  be  able  to  join  their  comrades.  The  clerk  and  my 
self  now  appropriated  the  colonel's  somewhat  luxurious  quarters 
to  our  use,  and,  as  we  had  plenty  of  provisions  and  a  good  cook, 
there  was  no  occasion  for  us  to  complain  of  our  fate. 

The  fourth  day  after  the  regiment  left,  winter  set  in  in  good 
earnest.  Snow  fell  to  the  depth  of  several  inches,  and  the 
weather  was  bitterly  cold  and  severe.  I  contrasted  my  com 
fortable  quarters,  as  I  sat  by  a  blazing  wood  fire  at  night,  with 
those  of  niy  comrades  huddled  in  shelter  tents  and  shivering  from 
cold,  somewhere  on  their  tedious  march  to  the  front,  and  heartily 
pitied,  while  I  could  not  alleviate,  their  condition.  With  the  aid 
of  some  of  the  convalescents  I  struck  the  tents,  turned  over  the 
camp  stores  and  equipage,  except  a  small  part  which  was  to  go 
forward  to  the  quartermaster's  department  in  Washington,  set 
tled  my  accounts  with  the  Government,  and,  through  the  kind 
ness  of  the  quartermaster  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Eleventh  New 
York,  who  loaned  me  the  use  of  his  teams,  hauled  the  balance  of 
the  baggage  to  Alexandria,  placed  it  on  board  a  boat  for  Acquia 
Creek,  and,  on  the  17th  of  December,  took  leave  of  Camp  Casey, 
and  with  thirteen  men  went  forward  to  join  my  regiment. 
It  was  found  encamped  near  General  Simmer's  headquarters  on 
the  heights  opposite  Fredericksburg,  which  place  I  learned  it 
reached  after  a  week's  march  from  Camp  Casey,  traveling  up 
wards  of  sixty  miles — part  of  the  time  through  the  mud,  and 
part  thereof  through  the  snow  and  over  the  frozen  ground.  My 
friend,  Captain  Laphain,  who  experienced  the  hardships  of  this 
never  to-be- forgotten  march,  has  vividly  described  it  in  his  ad 
mirable  paper  on  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island. 

The  terrible  battle  of  Fredericksburg  had  been  fought  three 
days  before  my  arrival  at  Falmouth,  and  I  knew  of  it  only  from 
others  and  from  the  fearful  havoc  which  it  had  made  in  the  ranks 
of  my  comrades,  upwards  of  one-fifth  of  the  entire  regiment  hav 
ing  been  either  killed,  wounded,  or  found  missing  at  the  close  of 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  245 

that  sanguinary  contest.  The  part  taken  by  the  gallant  Twelfth 
has  also  been  graphically  portrayed  in  the  paper  just  referred  to, 
by  one  who  took  an  honorable  part  therein,  and  it  would  be  pre 
sumption  in  me  to  attempt  a  word  in  addition. 

The  great  Army  of  the  Potomac,  now  upwards  of  one  hundred 
thousand  strong,  was  stretched  along  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Rappahannock  from  Falmouth  southward  to,  and  including.  Gen 
eral  Franklin's  division,  and  for  miles  there  was  but  little  space 
between  the  regimental  camps  of  this  mighty  host.  Our  picket 
line  was  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  while  that  of  the  enemy 
was  on  the  right  in  plain  sight,  and  for  the  most  part  the  two 
lines  were  within  reach  of  each  other's  rifles.  But  there  was  lit 
tle  firing  done,  it  seeming  to  be  tacitly  understood  that  their 
principal  business  was  to  mutually  watch,  instead  of  shoot,  each 
other.  Anxious  to  see  how  rebels  in  arms  looked,  I  rode  the 
length  of  our  picket  line  and  inspected  them  as  best  I  could,  from 
this  tolerably  safe  distance,  and  became  satisfied  that  a  nearer 
approach  was  undesirable. 

Our  base  of  supplies  was  Acquia  Creek,  about  fifteen  miles  in 
our  rear,  towards  Washington,  and  thither  I  had  to  frequently 
go  for  our  subsistence.  The  trains  to  this  place  were  daily  laden 
with  the  sick  and  wounded  on  their  way  to  the  great  hospitals  in 
and  around  Washington.  And  some  of  the  sights  that  I  saw  in 
connection  with  the  removal  of  our  poor,  maimed,  sick  and  dying 
soldiers,  shortly  after  the  terrible  battle,  would  be  too  painful  to 
relate.  I  do  not  mean  that  they  were  not  as  well  treated  and  as 
kindly  cared  for  as  was  practicable  under  the  circumstances,  but 
that  from  their  great  numbers,  the  inadequate  means  for  handling 
them,  and  the  distance  over  which  they  had  to  be  transported  in 
crowded  box  cars  and  filthy  steamboats  before  much  could  be 
done  for  them,  it  was  impossible  but  that  their  sufferings  in  many 
cases  should  be  of  the  most  aggravated  character. 

Our  situation  while  in  front  of  Fredericksburg  was  anything 
but  comfortable.  The  men  lived  in  all  sorts  of  rudely  con 
structed  cabins,  bough-houses  and  even  subterranean  huts,  having 
no  tents  save  the  miserable  misnamed  shelter  tents,  which  were 
used  only  as  roofs  for  the  conglomerate  structures  which  their 
ingenuity  had  devised.  The  fireplaces  were  made  of  logs  ce- 


246  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

mented  and  plastered  with  mud,  and  the  chimneys  mainly  with 
empty  barrels  set  on  top  of  each  other  (the  heads  being  first 
knocked  out),  and  they  also  cemented  together  and  plastered 
with  mud.  This  Virginia  mud,  when  thoroughly  dried  by  the 
fire,  is  almost  as  hard  as  common  brick.  The  water  which  we 
had  to  use  and  drink  here  was  simply  execrable.  I  don't  think  it 
was  so  bad  as  that  in  the  Cove  Basin,  but  it  had  a  very  similar 
appearance.  Each  little  spring  and  rivulet  was  eagerly  sought 
and  constantly  used  by  continual  streams  of  soldiers,  necessarily 
keeping  them  in  a  perturbed  and  more  or  less  filthy  condition; 
and,  besides,  it  was  impossible  that  some  portion  of  the  vast 
amount  of  offal  accumulating  from  this  great  army  should  not 
find  its  way  into  these  sources  of  our  water  supply.  This  was 
specially  so  when,  as  frequently  happened,  several  regiments  were 
encamped  on  the  same  little  stream.  Much  sickness  was  caused 
during  our  uncomfortable  stay  here  by  this  detestable  water. 

On  the  16th  of  January,  1863,  we  received  marching  orders, 
but  were  directed  to  remain  in  camp,  simply  holding  ourselves  in 
readiness  to  move  at  short  notice.  The  line  of  march  of  the  Right 
Grand  Division  commenced  on  January  19th  and  was  continued 
through  the  20th.  Regiment  after  regiment,  followed  by  long 
strings  of  batteries,  continued  to  move  directly  past  our  camp 
all  day  long,  going  to  the  right.  Another  great  battle  was  sup 
posed  to  be  imminent.  But  alas  for  human  plans ;  whether  made 
by  great  generals  or  by  persons  unknown  to  fame,  they  are  ex 
ceedingly  liable  to  be  thwarted.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  20th 
a  cold  northeast  storm  of  wind,  snow,  sleet  and  rain  came 
on  and  continued  with  increasing  force  for  more  than  thirty-six 
hours,  which  necessarily  put  an  end  to  the  strategic  movement  of 
General  Burnside,  for  the  roads  became  utterly  impassable  for 
the  artillery,  and  practically  so  for  all  military  purposes.  After 
floundering  about  in  the  clayey  mire  for  three  days,  the  brave  fel 
lows  came  tramping  back,  weary  and  thoroughly  disgusted,  and 
again  took  up  their  abode  in  their  wretched  old  quarters.  Our 
gallant  General  Burnside  was  now  relieved  of  the  command  of 
the  great  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  General  Hooker  appointed 
to  succeed  him. 

On  the  afternoon  of  February  9th,  we  broke  camp  and  took  the 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  247 

cars  for  Acquia  Creek,  en  route  for  Fortress  Monroe,  as  was  sup 
posed,  but  really  for  Newport  News.  There  was  hilarious  rejoic 
ing  on  all  hands  at  the  prospect  of  at  last  getting  away  from  our 
abominable  quarters.  The  huts  were  set  on  fire;  bonfires  were 
made  from  the  great  piles  of  combustible  debris  which  had  ac 
cumulated  during  the  winter ;  the  rude  barns  which  had  sheltered 
our  horses  and  mules  added  to  the  conflagration,  and  for  an  hour 
or  so  before  embarking  we  held  high  carnival  amidst  the  smoking 
ruins  of  "Camp  Misery."  At  Acquia  Creek  we  went  on  board 
the  transport  steamers  Metamora  and  Juniata,  and  the  next 
morning  steamed  down  the  broad  Potomac. 

The  agreeable  change  of  situation,  together  with  the  pleasant 
sail,  were  very  invigorating,  and  the  men  seemed  almost  to  forget 
that  they  were  soldiers,  and  to  imagine  themselves  on  some  holi 
day  excursion.  Arriving  off  Fortress  Monroe  at  four  A.  M.  of  the 
second  day  out,  we  awaited  orders  from  General  Dix,  which  be 
ing  received  we  proceeded  to  Newport  News  and  disembarked. 
We  had  at  last  got  beyond  Virginia  mud,  though  still  in  Virginia, 
the  soil  at  this  place  being  light  and  sandy,  and  the  ground  for 
miles  almost  as  level  as  Dexter  Training  Ground. 

The  schooner  Elizabeth  and  Helen  from  Providence,  which  we 
had  long  been  expecting,  arrived  about  the  same  time.  She 
brought  a  little  more  than  three  hundred  boxes  from  friends  at 
home  for  our  regiment,  and  our  portion  of  the  cargo  of  vegetables 
was  about  ninety  barrels.  So  that,  altogether,  we  had  a  "right 
smart  heap"  of  the  good  things  from  home.  The  contents  of  the 
boxes  being  largely  of  a  very  perishable  nature,  were  considerably 
damaged  on  account  of  having  been  so  long  on  the  journey.  But 
we  made  the  best  of  it,  and  enjoyed  the  unpacking  of  those  boxes 
quite  as  much,  without  doubt,  as  our  friends  at  home  did  the 
packing.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  beneficial  to  us  than 
the  generous  supply  of  vegetables  which  we  received,  having  sub 
sisted  mainly  on  salt  meats  and  hard-tack  while  at  Fredericks- 
burg. 

"A"  tents  were  here  issued  to  the  companies;  everything  was 
cheerful  and  tidy  about  the  camp,  and  we  seemed  to  be  living  in 
a  new  world.  My  duties  called  me  to  Fortress  Monroe  nearly 
every  day,  which  gave  me  a  delightful  little  sail,  together  with 


248  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

charming  scenery  and  plenty  of  work.  The  scene  of  the  exciting 
and  unequal  contest  between  the  Merrimac  and  the  Cwtiberland, 
in  Hampton  Roads  in  March,  1862,  was  immediately  in  front  of 
us;  and  about  a  mile  from  the  shore,  in  the  direction  of  Norfolk, 
could  be  seen  a  portion  of  the  masts  of  the  latter,  emerging  from 
the  water. 

After  a  stay  of  precisely  six  weeks  at  Newport  News,  during 
which  time  nothing  of  very  great  importance  transpired  in  the 
Ninth  Army  Corps,  all  of  which  were  encamped  at  this  delightful 
place,  the  Second  Brigade,  of  which  the  Twelfth  was  a  part,  was 
ordered  to  the  far-off  city  of  Lexington,  Ky.  Our  regiment  at 
once  embarked  on  the  steamer  Long  Island  for  Baltimore,  whence 
we  were  to  ge  by  rail  to  the  West.  Some  of  the  scenes  on  board 
that  steamer  at  night  were  ludicrous  in  the  extreme.  I  have 
heard  of  one's  "hair  standing  seven  ways  for  Sunday,"  of  things 
being  "at  sixes  and  sevens,"  and  "all  heads  and  points,"  but  I 
must  aver  that  the  packing  of  the  men  on  that  boat  exceeded 
anything  I  had  ever  seen  in  the  way  of  mixing  up  human  beings. 
They  bestowed  themselves  in  every  conceivable  position.  It  was 
almost  an  impossibility  to  go  three  steps  without  causing  some 
one  to  cry  out,  "Keep  off  from  me !"  or,  "O,  my  fingers !"  an  oath 
generally  preceding  the  expression,  just  for  the  sake  of  making  it 
emphatic.  The  head  of  a  soldier  might  frequently  be  seen  mixed 
in  with  the  feet  of  two  or  three  of  his  immediate  neighbors.  And 
in  one  case  I  discovered  two  men  lying  directly  under  one  of  the 
horses,  fast  asleep.  I  soon  ascertained,  however,  that  they  had 
been  imbibing  too  freely  of  poor  whiskey,  and  that  therefore  there 
was  probably  little  immediate  danger  from  their  situation. 

A  sail  of  sixteen  hours  brought  us  to  Baltimore,  and  a  ride  of 
three  hundred  and  forty  miles  over  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
took  us  to  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  where  we  arrived  at  twelve  o'clock 
on  Saturday  night,  March  28th,  tired  and  hungry.  To  our  great 
joy  we  were  immediately  invited  into  the  large  and  beautifully 
decorated  hall  occupied  by  the  Soldiers'  Relief  Society,  where 
we  found  a  splendid  supper  awaiting  us.  There  were  twelve  ta 
bles,  each  running  the  entire  length  of  the  hall,  each  arranged  to 
accommodate  one  hundred  men,  and  all  richly  laden  with  an 
abundance  of  delicious  food  and  fruit.  Compliments  were  few 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  249 

and  exceedingly  brief,  but  the  rattle  of  crockery  and  knives  and 
forks  was  long  and  continuous.  The  Seventh  Rhode  Island  was 
in  the  hall  at  the  same  time,  and  you  may  be  assured  that  Little 
Bhody  showed  an  unbroken  front  here,  as  she  had  already  done 
under  more  trying  circumstances  elsewhere.  Suspended  from 
the  front  of  the  platform  was  the  following  in  large  letters: 
"PITTSBURG  WELCOMES  HER  COUNTRY^S  DEFENDERS;"  while  under 
neath  this  was  "ROANOKE,  NEWBERN,  FREDERICKSBURG,  BURNSIDE, 
and  the  NINTH  ARMY  CORPS." 

After  the  sumptuous  repast  was  ended,  Colonel  Browne 
stepped  upon  the  platform,  and,  in  a  few  appropriate  and  feeling 
remarks,  returned  his  thanks  to  the  citizens  of  Pittsburg  for 
their  hospitality  to  the  soldiers  of  Rhode  Island,  and  closed  by 
proposing  three  cheers  for  our  benefactors,  which  were  given 
with  a  roar  that  seemed  almost  to  raise  the  roof.  We  then 
marched  out  to  make  room  for  others  that  were  waiting,  the  re 
mainder  of  our  brigade  being  near  by.  One  of  the  waiters,  who, 
I  was  informed,  was  the  daughter  of  one  of  the  first  citizens  of 
the  city,  told  me  that  this  hall  had  not  been  closed  night  or  day 
for  more  than  a  week,  and  that  every  soldier  who  had  passed 
through  the  city  for  a  long  time  had  partaken  of  their  bounty  if 
he  chose  to  do  so.  Nearly  five  thousand  had  been  fed  during  the 
past  twelve  hours,  and  still  there  was  an  abundance. 

At  ten  A.  M.  we  took  the  cars  for  Cincinnati,  which  we  reached 
after  a  pleasant  ride  of  about  four  hundred  miles  through  the 
most  delightful  section  of  country  we  had  yet  seen.  We  almost 
imagined  ourselves  making  one  of  "Perhanfs  Grand  Excursions 
to  the  West."  Everywhere  along  the  route  we  met  with  tokens 
of  welcome  and  encouragement.  White  handkerchiefs  fluttered 
from  ten  thousand  fair  hands,  while  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were 
displayed  "from  cottage,  hall  and  tower,"  in  great  profusion.  At 
Steubenville,  Ohio,  I  should  judge  the  inhabitants  were  nearly 
all  at  the  depot  on  our  arrival,  where  they  greeted  us  with  cheer 
upon  cheer,  besides  innumerable  expressions  of  loyalty  and  good 
will.  Five  long  trains  of  cars,  containing  the  five  regiments  of 
our  brigades,  kept  within  a  short  distance  of  each  other  during 
this  entire  journey,  and  when  the  forward  train  stopped,  the 
others  would  come  up  within  a  few  rods  of  each  other,  thus  con- 


250  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

stituting  an  almost  unbroken  train  for  about  two  miles.  The 
impromptu  foraging  parties  that  emerged  from  each  of  those 
trains  whenever  they  came  to  a  brief  halt,  it  is  unnecessary  to 
describe  to  veterans. 

The  brigade  received  a  perfect  ovation  at  Cincinnati.  The 
streets  were  crowded  with  the  enthusiastic  populace,  many  build 
ings  were  brilliantly  illuminated,  and  the  entire  conduct  of  the 
people  proved  most  conclusively  that  the  Union  sentiment  here 
was  dominant.  While  passing  along  one  of  the  streets  our  regi 
ment  was  treated  to  a  perfect  shower  of  nice  white  handker 
chiefs,  which  were  thrown  from  the  windows  of  a  large  brick 
block  by  a  company  of  ladies.  Each  of  these  souvenirs  was  deli 
cately  perfumed  and  bore  the  name  of  the  fair  donor.  We  were 
also  treated  to  another  supper  here,,  which,  had  we  not  fared  so 
very  sumptuously  at  Pittsburg,  would  have  been  pronounced  the 
ne  plus  ultra  of  feasts.  After  eating  till  we  could  eat  no  more, 
a  fresh  supply  was  brought  on  with  which  to  fill  our  empty  haver 
sacks  for  the  remainder  of  the  journey. 

I  was  busily  occupied  all  night,  in  company  with  a  squad  of 
men,  in  transferring  the  baggage  across  the  river  to  Covington 
in  ferryboats,  and  loading  it  on  board  the  train  which  was  to 
convey  us  to  Lexington,  which  city  we  reached  the  following  day, 
having  been  six  days  on  the  journey  from  Newport  News.  We 
encamped  on  the  State  Fair  Grounds,  west  of  the  city,  a  spacious 
and  charming  location,  adorned  with  elegant  shade  trees,  and 
surrounded  with  the  stately  suburban  residences  of  some  of  the 
chivalry  of  Kentucky.  You  may  perhaps  infer  that  we  were 
somewhat  influenced  by  our  aristocratic  surroundings  when  I 
inform  you  that  while  here  our  firewood  consisted  mainly  of 
black-walnut,  the  ordinary  fence-rails  in  that  vicinity  being  com 
posed  of  that  material. 

The  Sunday  following  our  arrival  here,  the  regiment  was  vis 
ited  and  briefly  addressed  by  the  venerable  Gen.  Leslie  Coombs, 
of  Kentucky,  that  staunch  and  lifelong  enemy  of  secession,  who 
was  a  friend  and  old  acquaintance  of  Colonel  Browne.  His  tall 
and  manly  form,  his  long,  flowing  white  hair,  and  his  stately 
bearing,  together  with  his  stirring  and  patriotic  remarks  in  favor 
of  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and  the  vigorous  prosecution  of 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  251 

the  war,  made  an  impression  upon  my  mind  that  I  shall  never 
forget. 

Alfter  a  week's  sojourn  here,  our  brigade  turned  its  face  south 
ward  and  commenced  what  subsequently  proved  to  be  a  long 
series  of  marches  back  and  forth  across  the  state,  protecting  ex 
posed  points  and  preparing  for  a  probable  meeting  with  the  reb 
els  either  under  General  Breckinridge  or  General  Morgan,  who 
were  constantly  menacing  the  southern  borders  of  the  state. 
And  besides,  the  mountainous  districts  thereof -were  infested  with 
marauding  bands,  mainly  under  the  general  direction  of  Morgan, 
who  were  carrying  on  a  guerilla  warfare  both  against  the  Union 
ists  of  the  state,  who  constituted  a  majority  of  all  the  people,  and 
also  against  the  Union  forces  stationed  there,  thus  keeping  the 
citizens  in  a  constant  state  of  anxiety  and  trepidation.  The  pil 
laging  and  murdering  of  the  peaceable  and  inoffensive  citizens 
of  that  would-be  loyal  State  by  these  organized  bands  of  ruffians, 
constitute,  to  my  mind,  one  of  the  darkest  pictures  of  our  civil 
war. 

Twenty-two  miles  over  a  macadamized  road,  through  the  cele 
brated  "Blue  Grass"  region,  brought  us  to  Winchester,  a  pleas 
ant  inland  village  in  Clarke  County,  where  we  were  allowed  to 
remain  for  the  full  period  of  eight  days.  Our  next  stopping 
place  was  at  Richmond,  a  very  inviting  post-village  of  about  fif 
teen  hundred  inhabitants  in  Madison  County,  twenty  miles  south 
of  Winchester.  This  march,  which  occupied  two  days,  took  us 
through  some  of  the  most  picturesque  natural  scenery  to  be  found 
in  the  state,  including  Boonesboro,  the  scene  of  Daniel  Boone's 
famous  exploits  with  the  Indians,  at  which  place  the  entire  brig 
ade  crossed  the  Kentucky  River  in  a  common  scow  which  would 
hold  only  fifty  men  at  a  time.  This  delayed  us  for  at  least  half 
a  day,  so  that  we  had  a  good  view  of  the  wild  surroundings. 

I  must  here  relate  a  personal  incident.  After  arriving  at  Rich 
mond  I  w^as  sent  back  to  Winchester  to  bring  forward  some 
stores  and  supplies  which  had  been  necessarily  left  there.  Our 
teams  had  not  arrived  from  Covington,  and  I  was  detained  for 
three  days  awaiting  their  appearance.  I  was  stopping  at  the 
house  of  one  Mr.  Bush,  a  well-to-do  planter,  whose  acquaintance 
I  had  made  while  the  regiment  was  encamped  there.  On  the 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

third  night  of  my  stay  with  him  I  was  suddenly  aroused  from  a 
sound  sleep  at  one  o'clock  by  two  soldiers  who  had  entered  my 
room,  and  who  immediately  confronted  me,  one  with  a  drawn 
sword,  and  the  other  with  a  revolver,  which  he  held  in  one  hand, 
and  a  lighted  candle  in  the  other.  They  said  nothing,  except  to 
caution  me  that  any  attempt  to  move  from  my  present  position 
would  be  at  the  peril  of  my  life.  One  of  them  commenced  to 
search  my  clothes,  while  the  other  stood  guard  over  me,  holding 
his  glistening  revolver  uncomfortably  near  my  head.  I  thought 
my  hour  had  probably  come,  taking  it  for  granted  that  the  men 
were  rebel  soldiers  and  had  taken  advantage  of  my  isolated  sit 
uation  to  first  rob  and  then  dispatch  me.  But  I  finally  mustered 
courage  enough  to  ask  them  their  business  as  politely  as  I  knew 
how,  and  was  promptly  informed,  greatly  to  my  surprise,  that  I 
was  a.  rebel  spy  and  their  prisoner  and  that  they  were  Union  sol 
diers  sent  there  to  arrest  me.  I  at  once  felt  relieved,  knowing 
that  I  could  readily  establish  my  identity,  and  furthermore  that 
I  was  tolerably  safe  anyway  in  the  hands  of  Union  soldiers.  Mr. 
Bush,  who  had  followed  them  into  the  room  in  his  night-clothes, 
immediately  assured  them  that  I  was  not  a  rebel  spy,  or  even  a 
rebel,  but  a  member  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  and 
manifested  considerable  indignation  that  he  should  even  be  sus 
pected  of  harboring  rebel  spies.  Some  papers  and  letters  in  my 
pockets  supported  the  testimony  of  my  host,  and,  after  consider 
able  time  spent  in  examining  them,  my  brave  (?)  captors  con 
cluded  that  I  wras  not  the  man  they  were  looking  for,  and  left  me 
without  so  much  as  an  apology  for  their  mistake,  to  ponder  upon 
my  deceitful  appearance.  I  learned  the  next  day  that  two  rebel 
spies  had  in  fact  been  prowling  about  the  neighborhood  for  sev 
eral  days,  and  that  these  officers  (for  such  they  were)  had  been 
searching  for  them. 

A  week  at  Richmond,  three  days  at  Paint  Lick  Creek,  a  tribu 
tary  of  the  Ohio,  a  week  at  Lancaster,  and  on  we  go,  still 
southward,  till  we  reach  Crab  Orchard,  a  Kentucky  watering 
place  of  considerable  note,  where  we  remained  for  ten  days.  It 
was  not  every  brigade  that  was  allowed  to  spend  this  length  of 
time  at  a  fashionable  Southern  watering  place  during  the  sultry 
days  of  June,  at  the  expense  of  the  Government. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  253 

Instead  of  proceeding  still  further  southward,  as  had  been  ex 
pected,  we  were  here  suddenly  ordered  to  execute  a  "right  about 
face/'  and  retrace  our  steps  to  Nicholasville,  a  point  twelve  miles 
south  of  Lexington,  where  it  was  understood  we  were  to  take  the 
cars  en  route  for  the  far-off  city  of  Vicksburg,  where  we  were  to 
assist  General  Grant  in  the  siege  against  that  rebel  stronghold. 
This  was  not  encouraging  news  to  soldiers  whose  term  of  enlist 
ment  would  expire  in  a  little  more  than  thirty  days.  Back  we 
went,  however,  through  the  dust  and  heat,  making  the  distance 
in  two  long  days,  the  boys  frequently  rallying  each  other  on  the 
march  with  the  remarks:  "It's  all  in  the  nine  months,  boys;" 
and,  "Why  did  you  come  for  a  soldier?" 

Just  as  we  got  in  sight  of  Nicholasville  another  surprise 
awaited  us.  One  of  the  general's  aids  came  dashing  up  to  Col 
onel  Browne  with  orders  detaching  his  regiment  from  the  brigade 
and  directing  him  to  report  to  General  Carter  at  Somerset,  more 
than  seventy  miles  away,  without  delay.  Half  of  this  distance 
lay  directly  back  over  the  route  we  had  just  traveled.  This  was, 
indeed,  provoking.  But  we  were  soldiers,  and  had  learned  that 
our  first  and  principal  duty  was  prompt  and  unquestioning  obedi 
ence  to  orders.  So  we  bade  good-bye  to  the  other  regiments  of 
our  brigade  by  giving  three  hearty  cheers  for  each  as  they 
marched  past  us  on  their  long  journey  to  the  West,  and  imme 
diately  turned  our  faces  southward  again  and  started  for  Somer 
set. 

It  then  being  nearly  sunset,  we  bivouacked  for  the  night  as 
soon  as  we  came  to  a  convenient  place,  and  resumed  our  back 
ward  march  at  daylight  the  next  morning.  The  First  Tennessee 
Battery  and  a  regiment  of  mounted  infantry  soon  joined  us,  and 
in  company  with  them  we  reached  Somerset,  having  gone  by  the 
way  of  Camp  Dick  Robinson  and  Hall's  Gap,  after  a  four  days' 
march.  In  six  successive  days  we  had  marched  one  hundred 
miles.  And  what  was  somewhat  remarkable,  we  went  into  camp 
at  the  end  of  this  time  with  not  a  man  left  behind. 

After  a  stay  of  ten  days  at  Somerset,,  during  which  time  our 
base  of  supplies  was  at  Stanford,  thirty-three  miles  away,  and 
could  only  be  reached  by  our  mule  teams,  we  moved  down  to 
the  Cumberland  River,  where  we  encamped  on  a  high  and 


254  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

precipitous  bluff  overlooking  the  river  and  the  rugged  moun 
tainous  scenery  for  a  long  distance.  A  brief  rest  and  on,  on  we 
went  again,  bivouacking  for  a  night  on  the  battlefield  of  Mill 
Springs,  where  General  Zollicoffer  met  his  fate;  climbing  the 
mountains  with  our  heavily  laden  mule  teams,  building  bridges, 
constructing  roads,  and  making  but  slow  progress  over  the  rough 
est  country  that  I  ever  saw.  Several  of  my  teams  were  capsized 
and  rolled  down  a  steep  embankment,  mules,  drivers  and  all; 
others  got  mired  in  swamps,  and  it  was  with  the  greatest  diffi 
culty  that  they  were  ever  extricated;  but  we  pulled  ourselves 
along  in  one  way  and  another  over  a  distance  of  thirty  miles  of 
this  sort  of  country,  and  finally  reached  Jamestown  (popularly 
known  as  "Jimtown"),  on  the  southern  border  of  Kentucky,  on 
the  twenty-third  day  of  June,  which  place  proved  to  be  the  end 
of  our  journey  southward. 

Colonel  Wolford's  famous  cavalry  regiment,  six  hundred 
strong, — the  most  dare-devil  set  of  fellows,  probably,  in  the  Union 
service, —  together  with  two  mounted  regiments  of  infantry,  here 
joined  us  and  everything  was  made  ready  for  a  brush  with  the 
rebels,  which  was  daily  expected,  General  Morgan  being  reported 
just  in  front  of  us  with  a  large  force.  On  the  29th  of  June  our 
pickets  were  suddenly  attacked  and  driven  in  by  the  enemy,  caus 
ing  the  greatest  excitement  in  camp.  The  long  roll  was  instantly 
sounded;  the  men  rushed  to  their  companies  with  all  possible 
speed ;  the  regiment  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  at  a  double-quick 
by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Shaw,  and  all  was  ready  for  the  fray. 
Company  A,  Captain  Alexander,  and  Company  C,  Captain  Allen, 
had  been  previously  stationed  about  half  a  mile  in  front,  on  a 
road  leading  south  towards  the  Cumberland  River,  where  they 
had  felled  trees  and  erected  a  sort  of  rude  barricade  called  Fort 
Alexander,  in  honor  of  the  captain  in  command,  which  position 
they  continued  to  hold. 

The  battery  took  a  position  on  the  Columbus  road,  on  which 
the  enemy  was  approaching ;  the  other  regiments  were  just  in  the 
rear,  while  Wolford's  cavalry  went  forward  on  a  keen  run,  their 
famous  commander  being  at  least  a  hundred  yards  in  front  of 
his  men  when  he  passed  our  regiment,  presenting,  in  connection 
with  his  headlong  followers,  a  scene  of  the  wildest  excitement. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  255 

He  speedily  came  in  contact  with  the  enemy, — whose  particular 
object  at  this  time  was  the  capture  of  our  battery, — drove  them 
back  without  bringing  on  a  general  engagement,  captured  a  score 
or  more  of  prisoners,  and  so  thoroughly  routed  and  scattered  the 
enemy  by  his  bold  and  vigorous  dash,  that  they  made  no  further 
attempt  to  dispute  the  possession  of  this  antiquated  town  with 
our  forces  until  the  morning  of  the  Fourth  of  July  following. 

Our  quartermaster's  train,  however,  was  attacked  two  days 
later,  on  its  way  from  Green  Kiver,  whither  it  had  been  for  sup 
plies,  by  a  guerilla  band  of  about  fifty  men ;  but  as  the  train  was 
guarded  by  a  company  of  mounted  infantry  from  the  Seventh 
Ohio,  the  attack  was  repulsed  after  a  vigorous  contest,  with  some 
loss  on  both  sides,  and  our  provisions  and  quartermaster  arrived 
in  camp  unharmed  the  next  day,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  regiment, 
who  were  nearly  out  of  supplies. 

On  the  3d  of  July  a  battle  was  fought  near  Lebanon,  which 
was  a  short  distance  to  the  north  of  us,  between  a  portion  of  Gen 
eral  Carter's  forces  and  those  under  General  Morgan,  in  which 
quite  a  number  were  killed  and  several  wounded. 

We  commenced  the  celebration  of  the  glorious  Fourth  by  form 
ing  in  line  of  battle  with  alacrity  at  half -past  three  A.  M.,  our 
pickets  having  been  again  driven  in,  and  the  rebels  seeming  deter 
mined  to  have  a  bout  with  us  before  we  left  Kentucky.  And  I 
think  our  men  would  as  soon  have  fought  as  not  on  this  occasion, 
being  tired  of  the  constant  annoyance,  and  ready  to  prove  to  Ken 
tucky  bushwhackers  what  kind  of  stuff  they  were  made  of.  But, 
fortunately  for  both  sides  doubtless,  the  rebels  remained  out 
side  of  "Jimtown,"  and  our  forces  remained  inside,  resting  on 
their  arms  all  day,  and  momentarily  expecting  an  attack,  which, 
however,  was  not  made.  And  on  the  5th  of  July,  General  Carter 
moved  his  forces  northward ;  first  to  Somerset,  and  then  to  Stan 
ford,  our  base  of  supplies,  which  he  continued  to  hold.  Somer 
set  was  again  reached  after  three  days  of  the  most  difficult  march 
ing  we  had  ever  experienced,  a  heavy  rainstorm  being  in  progress 
most  of  the  time,  rendering  the  movement  of  the  artillery  and 
heavy-laden  army  wagons  well-nigh  impossible.  With  ten  mules 
on  one  team,  and  two  industrious  swearers  to  drive  them,  I  was 
only  able  to  make  a  distance  of  two  rods  through  the  mire  in  the 


256  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

space  of  one  whole  hour,  on  one  occasion  during  the  first  day  of 
this  march,  which,  by  the  way,  was  on  Sunday. 

Of  course  the  army  could  move  no  faster  than  the  wagon  train 
on  this  march,  as  the  rebels  were  immediately  in  our  rear,  ready 
to  pounce  upon  us  if  a  good  opportunity  was  offered. 

Eight  days  of  continuous  marching,  most  of  the  time  over  the 
same  route  we  had  traveled  twice,  and  some  of  it  three  times  be 
fore,  and  we  were  again  at  Nicholasville,  where  our  regiment  took 
the  cars  for  Cincinnati  by  the  way  of  Lexington.  Our  term  of 
service  had  expired,  but  at  the  request  of  our  greatly  beloved 
General  Burnslde,  we  remained  at  Cincinnati  for  a  week  to  assist 
in  protecting  that  much  frightened  city  from  the  raids  of  the 
somewhat  ubiquitous  General  Morgan,  who  had  preceded  us  from 
"Jimtown"'  to  that  more  populous  and  inviting  community.  An 
other  journey  of  a  thousand  miles — not,  however,  on  foot — and 
the  Twelfth  Regiment  was  again  at  home. 


MEMORIAL  OF  GEORGE  H.  BROWNE. 

[Late  Colonel  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment.] 
BY  PARDON  E.  TILLINGHAST. 

COL.  GEORGE  H.  BROWNE  departed  this  life  at  Providence  on 
the  27th  day  of  September,  A.  D.  1885,  in  the  sixty-eighth  year 
of  his  age,  sincerely  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  a 
Rhode  Islander  by  birth  and  education ;  thoroughly  imbued  with 
the  history  and  traditions  of  the  State,  and  always  identified  him 
self  with  its  best  interests.  Conservative,  candid  and  outspoken, 
and  an  excellent  judge  of  human  nature,  he  was  not  easily  de 
ceived  or  led  to  do  an  unwise  or  even  an  injudicious  act.  To  say 
that  he  was  a  wise,  prudent  and  thoroughly  conscientious  man, 
is  but  to  voice  the  common  sentiment  of  all  those  who  knew  him. 

Since  September  of  1862,  I  have  known  Colonel  Browne  well, 
and  been  honored  by  his  constant  friendship.  During  the  period 
of  his  service  in  the  army,  my  duties  brought  me  in  almost  daily 
contact  with  him;  I  was  one  of  his  mess  during  our  Kentucky 
campaign,  and  had  the  opportunity  to  study  his  character  and 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  257 

habits  with  deliberation ;  while  since  the  war  I  have  known  him 
in  the  walks  of  private,  professional  and  political  life.  And  for 
stalwart  manliness,  transparent  honesty  and  true  nobility  of 
character,  I  can  unhesitatingly  say  that  I  have  not  known  his 
superior. 

As  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment,  he  at  once 
inspired  both  the  confidence  and  love  of  his  men.  His  utmost 
energies  were  continually  put  forth  for  the  efficiency  and  useful 
ness  of  his  command,  while  his  efforts  for  the  personal  welfare 
of  each  individual  member  thereof  were  proverbial.  Indeed,  in 
the  latter  respect  he  seemed  more  like  a  kind  father  watching 
over  the  welfare  of  his  children,  than  a  cold  military  commander 
issuing  the  stern  edicts  of  war.  It  was  his  daily  habit  to  go 
about  the  camp  and  personally  inspect  the  same,  frequently  mak 
ing  his  appearance  in  the  tents  and  huts  of  the  privates  as  well 
as  in  the  quarters  of  the  officers,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
their  condition  as  to  cleanliness  and  comfort;  inquiring  after 
the  wants  of  the  men;  visiting  the  hospital  and  speaking  words 
of  hope  and  good  cheer  to  those  who  were  sick,  and  in  many  other 
ways  seeking  to  minister  to  the  welfare  of  his  command.  A  sin 
gle  instance  of  his  unselfish  devotion  to  the  good  of  his  men  illus 
trates  this  characteristic. 

On  Sunday,  May  3,  1863,  his  regiment  marched  from  Richmond, 
Kentucky,  to  Paint  Lick  Creek,  a  distance  of  twelve  miles, 
through  a  drenching  rain.  Many  of  the  men  had  become  foot 
sore  or  otherwise  disabled  by  reason  of  the  great  amount  of 
marching  they  had  recently  done,  and  some  of  these  became  un 
able  to  complete  the  journey;  whereupon,  Colonel  Browne,  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Shaw,  and  other  field  officers,  gave  up  their  horses 
to  the  use  of  these  disabled  ones,  and  themselves  tramped  with 
the  men  through  the  mud  and  rain  for  a  good  part  of  this  dis 
tance. 

Colonel  Browne  was  a  brave  man.  He  faced  the  guns  of  the 
enemy  at  Fredericksburg  where  the  battle  waxed  hottest,  with  as 
much  apparent  coolness  as  though  simply  facing  his  regiment  on 
dress  parade.  A  ball  pierced  his  mantle;  "the  noise  of  battle 
hurtled  in  the  air,"  and  death-dealing  missiles  were  flying  thick 
about  him,  but  he  neither  wavered  nor  blanched.  Wherever  his 

17 


258  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

regiment  was  ordered  to  go,  thither  he  promptly  went  in  front  of 
it,  inspiring  his  followers  with  courage  both  by  his  genuine  hero 
ism  and  his  manly  words  of  cheer. 

His  bravery,  however,  was  not  of  the  ostentatious  or  noisy  sort. 
It  was  more  like  the  current  of  a  still  but  deep-flowing  river, 
which  moves  calmly  but  steadily  onward,  irresistibly  drawing  to 
itself,  and  unconsciously  controlling  all  the  lesser  streams  about 
it.  He  never  paraded  his  virtues  before  his  fellow-men,  or  posed 
as  a  hero  or  statesman  for  public  applause.  Indeed,  he  utterly 
scorned  all  attempts  made  by  others  for  the  sake  of  notoriety  and 
position  as  vulgar  and  unworthy.  He  admired,  however,  and 
honestly  won,  the  fame  which  follows  generous  and  noble  deeds, 
and  not  that  which  is  sought  after  by  the  demagogue  and  the 
charlatan.  He  was  notably  considerate  and  courteous  in  his 
treatment  of  his  subordinates  in  office,  never  seeming  to  com 
mand,  while  in  fact  exercising  the  most  perfect  control. 

Colonel  Browne  retained  an  abiding  interest  in  the  men  of  his 
regiment  to  the  day  of  his  death.  His  greetings  to  them  on  the 
street,  in  the  marts  of  trade,  and  especially  at  their  annual  re 
unions,  were  always  warm  and  hearty.  A  single  incident  will 
serve  to  illustrate  his  interest  in  their  welfare.  Meeting  me  one 
day  last  winter  on  Westminster  Street,  he  said:  "Judge,  I've 
got  some  good  news  to  tell  you"  and  invited  me  to  step  into  a 
bookstore  which  he  was  then  passing,  while  he  should  reveal  it. 

"Do  you  remember  Sergeant  -  — ,  of  Company ?"  said  he, 

his  face  all  aglow  with  that  expression  of  happiness  which  was 
peculiar  to  him.  "Yes,  colonel,  I  do;  what  about  him?"  "Why, 
he's  been  out  West,  and  by  diligence  and  skill  in  a  profitable  busi 
ness  which  he  there  engaged  in,  first  as  clerk  and  subsequently  as 
one  of  the  firm,  and  now  as  the  manager  thereof,  has  actually 
made  his  fortune,  and  is  to-day  a  rich  and  highly  respected  man. 
And  he  came  to  see  me  the  other  day  and  told  me  all  about  it." 
And  then  with  much  enthusiasm  and  honest  pride  in  his  manner, 
said:  "Isn't  that  good  news  from  one  of  our  'boys?"  Had  this 
sergeant  been  his  own  son,  he  could  hardly  have  manifested  more 
joy  in  his  prosperity. 

His  private  benefactions  to  several  of  his  men  who  had  long 
been  in  indigent  circumstances,  are  known  and  remembered  by 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  259 

Him  who  said:  "Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me." 

There  was  no  circumlocution  or  ambiguity  in  Colonel  Browne's 
methods.  Whatever  he  had  to  do,  he  went  about  in  a  direct  and 
business-like  way,  and  prosecuted  it  to  completion  in  the  same 
straightforward  manner.  He  had  none  of  the  arts  or  tricks  of 
the  demagogue,  and  was  utterly  incapable  of  double-dealing  or 
hypocrisy.  And  no  man  whom  I  have  ever  known,  more  thor 
oughly  detested  these  base  qualities  in  others.  He  had  no  pa 
tience  with  shams  or  subterfuges  of  any  sort  whatsoever,  and  did 
not  hesitate  to  frown  upon  them  with  indignation  whenever  and 
wherever  they  appeared.  If  diplomacy  has  been  correctly  denned 
as  being  the  art  of  concealing  one's  thoughts  in  his  language,  he 
never  wouLd  have  made  a  successful  diplomat;  for  he  always  said 
just  what  he  meant,  and  always  meant  just  what  he  said. 

Colonel  Browne's  abilities,  both  natural  and  acquired,  were  of 
a  high  order.  He  had  a  broad,  vigorous  and  well-balanced  mind, 
which  had  been  thoroughly  trained  and  disciplined  to  habits  of 
logical  and  exact  reasoning,  and  a  power  of  analysis  which  led 
him  to  correct  conclusions  with  almost  mathematical  certainty. 

He  was  not  a  superficial  thinker,  but  always  insisted  on  laying 
bare  the  very  roots  of  the  matter  under  consideration,  and  then 
gradually  working  upwards  to  natural  and  legitimate  conclu 
sions.  His  processes  of  reasoning  were  inductive  rather  than 
dogmatic.  With  such  a  mind,  so  constituted  and  developed,  he 
was  eminently  fitted  for  positions  of  trust  and  responsibility, 
whether  private  or  public,  which  fact  the  citizens  both  of  his 
native  town  and  State  were  not  slow  to  learn  and  appreciate. 

As  a  legislator  he  was  diligent,  prudent  and  conservative,  pos 
sessing  the  courage  of  his  convictions,  always  exerting  a  large 
and  salutary  influence  by  his  candor,  integrity  and  good  judg 
ment,  and  readily  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  associ 
ates.  Public  office  was  with  him  a  public  trust,  to  be  adminis 
tered  with  strictest  fidelity  and  care. 

In  his  chosen  profession,  in  which  the  strength  of  his  vigorous 
manhood  was  spent,  he  attained  eminence  and  preferment,  being 
a  recognized  leader  of  the  bar  of  this  State  for  many  years  be 
fore  his  death.  A  safe  arid  able  counselor,  an  ingenuous  and 


260 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


convincing  advocate  and  an  honorable  opponent,  he  brought  to 
the  practice  of  his  profession  those  qualities  which  insure  suc 
cess.  Quibbles  and  quirks  and  barren  technicalities  were  an 
abomination  to  him  as  a  foundation  upon  which  to  base  an  action 
or  a  defense.  Like  Solon,  "who  built  his  commonweal  on  equity's 
wide  base,"  so  he  built  his  legal  structures  on  the  broad  princi 
ples  of  justice,  truth  and  right. 

In  1874  he  was  elected  to  the  high  and  honorable  office  of  chief 
justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  this  State  by  a  legislature  com 
posed  mainly  of  his  political  opponents,  a  monumental  tribute  to 
his  integrity,  learning  and  ability.  He  declined  the  office,  how 
ever,  and  remained  in  the  profession  which  he  had  dignified  and 
honored  to  the  day  of  his  death. 

As  a  private  citizen  he  was  a  man  of  unimpeachable  character, 
generous  impulses,  and  high  and  noble  purposes.  His  life  was 
pure  and  unostentatious,  and  his  manner  frank  and  undisguised. 
Let  us  ever  cherish  his  memory,  and  strive  to  emulate  his  virtues. 


CAPT.  OSCAR  LAPHAM. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  SERVICE  IN  THE  TWELFTH  REGI 
MENT  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 


BY  CAPT.  OSCAR  LAPHAM. 


THIS  regiment  was  recruited  in  the  summer  of  1862  under  the 
call  of  the  President  for  volunteers  for  nine  months.  The  dis 
asters  of  the  Peninsula,  the  defeat  and  scattering  of  Pope's  army 
in  Virginia,  and  the  Union  victory  at  Antietam,  had  followed 
each  other  in  rapid  succession,  and  it  was  evident  that  the  vet 
erans  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  would  all  be  required  in  the 
great  struggle  with  Lee,  about  to  take  place  somewhere  in  North 
ern  Virginia. 

It  was,  therefore,  commonly  supposed  that  the  nine  months' 
troops  would  be  stationed  in  the  defences  about  Washington, 
while  the  older  troops,  with  a  few  rapid  and  masterly  move 
ments,  proceeded  to  capture  Lee's  army,  which  had  thus  far  re 
fused  to  surrender,  either  in  the  Chickahominy  swamps,  in  the 
valleys  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  or  among  the  hills  of  Maryland. 

Instead,  however,  of  luxuriating  in  comfortable  quarters  in 
sight  of  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  and  dining  on  beefsteak  and 
fried  eggs,  and  going  regularly  to  sleep  every  night  in  comfort 
able  beds,  surrounded  by  peaceable  friends,  our  valiant  regiment 
had,  before  Christmas  of  that  year,  crossed  and  recrossed  Long 
Bridge,  picketed  miles  of  rough  country  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Clouds  Mills,  marched  in  mud,  rain  and  snowstorms  down 
through  Maryland  from  Washington  to  Port  Tobacco,  crossed 
the  Potomac  River  in  transports  in  bitter  cold  from  Liverpool 
Landing  to  Acquia  Creek,  marched  thence  to  Falmouth  on  the 
Rappahannock,  crossed  that  stream  on  pontoon  bridges  under 
an  artillery  fire,  and  participated  in  one  of  the  most  furious,  dis- 


262  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

astrous  and  bloody  battles  of  the  war ;  it  had  helped  to  cover  the 
rear  of  the  retreating  army  on  a  dark  and  rainy  night  in  Decem 
ber,  and,  while  the  Christmas  hearths  at  home  glowed  with  glad 
ness  and  warmth,  had  begun  the  struggle  with  winter  in  the  open 
field  with  salt  pork  and  hard-tack  for  food,  and  shelter  tents,  or 
huts  of  earth  walls  and  a  cloth  roof  for  houses. 

Taking  leave  of  Virginia  in  the  last  days  of  March  in  the  fol 
lowing  year,  we  entered  upon  entirely  different  scenes  and  du 
ties,  and  engaged  for  the  next  four  months  in  ceaseless  activity 
upon  a  new  and  most  interesting  field.  Transported  by  rail 
from  Newport  News,  Virginia,  to  Cincinnati,  and  thence  to  Lex 
ington,  Kentucky,  we  began  a  march  southward,  at  first  through 
a  beautiful,  fertile  country,  and  later,  entering  a  broken,  barren 
and  mountainous  region  and  over  precipitous  roads,  pausing  at 
last  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Cumberland  Kiver,  near  the  line 
of  Tennessee. 

The  regiment  was  collected  from  various  parts  of  the  State 
and  assembled  on  Dexter  Training  Ground,  in  Providence,  where 
it  was  encamped  several  weeks  to  be  organized  and  drilled.  The 
weather  was  fine,  and  the  camp  was  gay  with  visitors  daily,  the 
dress  parade  especially  being  extensively  patronized.  Here  was 
the  first  taste  of  camp  life  and  military  discipline. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  Oct.  21,  1862,  under  command  of  Col. 
George  H.  Browne,  we  embarked  on  the  train  for  New  York,  tak 
ing  the  cars  at  Olneyville.  It  was  a  scene  of  much  excitement. 
I  was  ordered  to  take  a  detachment  and  establish  a  guard  at 
the  place  of  embarkation,  to  hold  the  crowd  back  from  the  cars 
and  prevent  their  filling  the,  train.  Friends  and  relatives  of  the 
boys  begged  for  one  more  farewell;  mothers  and  sisters  and 
wives  were  in  tears.  But  the  hour  had  struck,  the  die  was  cast ; 
the  solid  ranks  moved  steadily  down  through  the  throng  within 
the  impassable  line,  and  a  thousand  more  lives  were  committed 
to  the  chances  of  war.  There  was  too  much  of  novelty  in  our 
new  situation,  and  too  much  anticipation  of  what  was  before  us, 
to  give  room  for  any  prolonged  regrets  on  our  part.  There  was 
just  enough  of  mystery  and  uncertainty  in  what  was  before  us 
to  make  us  anxious  for  its  development.  Later  on  there  were 
times  when  our  curiosity  was  more  than  satisfied.  When  we  en- 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  263 

countered  the  genuine  reality  we  found  occasions  when  our  in 
terest  in  the  proceedings  took  a  different  turn,  and  wre  would 
willingly  have  left  our  share  to  other  hands,  if  we  could  have 
done  so  with  equal  honor. 

The  journey  to  Washington  was  long  and  tedious,  and  we  were 
not  permitted  even  the  cheer  and  hospitality  which  greeted  all 
troops  passing  through  Philadelphia  to  the  front.  Our  route 
took  us  by  way  of  Harrisburg,  with  many  long  stops.  Our  boys 
even  here  did  not  forget  their  opportunities,  as  an  occasional 
quack  of  a  duck  from  the  gloom  of  some  car  plainly  attested. 
They  took  naturally  to  the  situation  with  an  alacrity  quite  as 
tonishing  for  new  recruits  with  so  short  a  military  experience. 

We  encamped  for  a  night  in  Washington  near  the  Capitol,  and 
next  day  moved  up  Pennsylvania  Avenue  and  Fourteenth  Street, 
across  Long  Bridge,  to  Camp  Chase,  in  the  red  dirt  of  Virginia, 
near  Arlington  Heights.  Here  exposure,  cold  rains,  and  lying 
on  the  ground  in  Sibley  tents,  began  to  tell  on  many  constitu 
tions,  and  the  hollow  and  feeble  coughs  of  the  poor  fellows  all 
over  the  grounds  in  the  dead  silence  of  the  night,  told  plainly 
of  the  presence  of  that  invisible  enemy  that  destroys  more  ar 
mies  than  shot  and  shell. 

We  soon  moved  from  here  southward  to  Fairfax  Seminary,  and 
encamped  on  a  fine  southern  slope  overlooking  the  city  of  Alex 
andria.  We  were  now  attached  to  the  brigade  commanded  by 
Col.  D.  R.  Wright,  of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  in  the  first  brigade  of 
the  division  of  General  Casey.  The  brigade  was  composed,  be 
sides  ourselves,  of  the  Fifteenth  Connecticut,  Colonel  Wright's 
regiment,  the  Thirteenth  New  Hampshire,  Colonel  Stevens,  and 
the  Twenty-seventh  New  Jersey,  Colonel  Mindil.  This  brigade 
was  employed  in  picketing  beyond  Clouds  Mills,  one  regiment 
being  sent  out  at  a  time,  and  remaining  on  duty  twenty-four 
hours. 

At  this  camp,  Colonel  Browne  began  to  give  attention  to  sani 
tary  regulations,  which  he  vigorously  enforced  throughout  our 
term  of  service,  often  overseeing  in  person  the  details  of  the 
work.  The  men  entrusted  to  his  care  were  not  to  be  permitted 
to  suffer  in  health  or  efficiency  from  their  own  ignorance  or  care 
lessness.  This  matter  of  cleanliness  and  good  order  in  the  com- 


264 


HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


pany  streets,  tents,  about  the  cook-house,  and  all  around  the 
various  camps  established  from  time  to  time,  became  somewhat 
later  the  subject  of  the  most  assiduous  attention  and  rivalry 
among  the  several  companies,  and  one  to  which  I  may  refer 
again. 

We  had  been  at  Fairfax  Seminary  but  a  few  days  when  I  re 
ceived  orders  from  Colonel  Browne  to  report  at  brigade  head 
quarters  to  Colonel  Wright,  commanding  the  brigade,  for  duty 
as  aide  on  his  personal  staff.  I  put  on  my  best  clothes  and  re 
ported  to  what  seemed  to  me  a  most  tremendous  and  awe-inspir 
ing  presence;  but  I  had  learned  one  principle  of  military  duty 
and  etiquette,  and  that  was,  when  in  the  presence  of  superior 
officers  to  stand  erect  and  say  nothing,  take  my  orders  in  silence, 
salute  and  retire.  And  this  I  rigidly  adhered  to. 

The  brigade  headquarters  at  Fairfax  Seminary  were  in  the 
house  of  Bishop  Johns,  of  Virginia.  We  found  some  very  com 
fortable  furniture  and  good  beds,  and  a  splendid  library  adorned 
the  walls.  The  grounds  were  elegant,  and  all  the  appointments 
first-class. 

There  was  a  capital  set  at  headquarters.  Lieutenant  Penrose, 
of  the  regular  army,  was  chief  of  staff, — a  wiry,  restless  fellow, 
chafing  for  a  battle,  thoroughly  acquainted  with  every  detail  of 
the  service,  for  he  was  born  in  the  army  and  knew  nothing  else. 
A  tireless  and  fearless  rider,  he  led  me  many  a  ride  from  morn 
ing  till  night  without  leaving  the  saddle,  over  bogs  and  corduroy 
roads,  through  swamps  and  brush  and  forest;  but  I  had  trained 
and  rowed  in  the  University  boat  crew,  and  was  ready  for  any 
scramble,  however  rough. 

There  was  the  brigade  surgeon,  Dr.  Holcombe,  of  Connecticut, 
—tall  and  rugged,  bluff  and  vigorous.  One  night,  going  through 
Maryland,  the  doctor  and  some  more  of  us  were  looking  about 
for  a  place  to  sleep.  We  got  into  a  little  cottage  and  occupied 
the  parlor.  By  common  consent  we  assigned  the  sofa  for  the 
doctor,  while  the  rest  stretched  on  the  floor.  This  sofa  happened 
to  be  very  narrow,  and  rounded  up  resolutely  in  the  middle,  and 
it  was  covered  with  very  slippery  hair-cloth.  The  doctor  got 
ready  to  be  very  comfortable  after  a  tedious  day's  march,  and, 
wrapped  in  his  blankets,  stretched  his  long  frame  upon  this  little 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  265 

sofa.  Presently  came  a  grunt  of  displeasure,  then  he  grew  more 
restless,  and,  as  we  were  just  settling  down  to  sleep,  the  doctor 
bounded  off  the  sofa  with  an  oath,  declaring  he  would  rather 
sleep  lengthwise  on  a  bologna  sausage  than  stay  on  that  sofa. 

There  was  the  chaplain,  who  never  turned  his  back  on  a  good 
meal,  and  never  came  nearer  profanity  than  to  say  "Condemn 
it;"  the  brigade  quartermaster  from  Connecticut,  a  first-rate 
fellow;  a  little  chap  named  Van  Saun,  from  New  Jersey,  who 
was  a  clerk,  had  a  great  fancy  for  negro  delineation,  and  in 
formed  me  he  had  belonged  to  more  than  one  minstrel  troupe. 

General  Casey,  commander  of  the  division,  occasionally  came 
over  from  his  headquarters  in  Washington,  with  a  large  and 
brilliant  staff,  to  inspect  the  picket  line,  in  which  we  joined, 
coming  back  to  Colonel  Wright's  quarters  to  dinner.  There 
was  a  handsome  spread  on  the  bishop's  mahogany  dining-table 
on  those  days,  served  in  courses,  and  much  high  converse,  for 
our  Colonel  Wright  was  an  able  lawyer,  our  chaplain  had  writ 
ten  for  the  magazines,  and  several  of  General  Casey's  staff  were 
West  Pointers. 

This  was  transpiring  in  the  beautiful  November  days, — the 
weather  was  fine,  the  rebels  at  a  safe  distance,  the  scenery 
picturesque.  There  stretched  the  noble  and  historic  Potomac; 
the  bluffs  on  the  shores  and  eminences  in  all  directions  were 
covered  with  forts  and  flying  the  Stars  and  Stripes;  the  city  of 
Alexandria  lay  below  us;  the  pomp  of  war  on  every  hand.  It 
was  all  strangely  new.  The  very  color  of  the  mud  seemed  for  the 
time  a  characteristic  of  aristoratic  Virginia,  a  coat  of  arms  as 
it  were,  for  it  was  none  of  your  common  gray  stuff,  but  that  rich 
brick  color  which  is  the  crowning  glory  of  all  our  new  houses, 
and  its  sticking  qualities  were  simply  wonderful.  The  Novem 
ber  haze  hung  over  river  and  fort  and  forest,  and  there  was 
plenty  of  mildly  exciting  service  to  keep  the  blood  active  and  the 
appetite  keen. 

On  the  first  day  of  December  I  was  returning  from  Washing 
ton,  and  met  the  brigade  en  route  to  join  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  at  Fredericksburg.  We  passed  over  Long  Bridge  and  down 
along  the  river  by  the  navy  yard,  across  the  East  Branch,  and 
stopped  for  the  night  just  outside  Uniontown.  Continuing 


266 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


down  the  left  bank  of  the  Potomac,  the  next  night  found  us  near 
Piscataway,  which  we  passed  the  next  morning,  halting  the 
third  night  near  another  Uniontown,  which  consisted  of  cross 
roads  and  one  small  shanty. 

Two  days  more  brought  us  to  our  last  bivouac  before  beginning 
to  cross  the  river  to  Acquia  Creek.  It  had  snowed  all  the 
afternoon,  covering  the  ground,  and  the  men  had  to  pass  the 
night  on  that  ground  under  their  shelter  tents,  which  they  had 
carried  on  their  backs.  It  seemed  to  me  a  most  serious  situa 
tion,  and  in  the  evening,  as  soon  as  my  duties  would  permit,  I 
went  in  the  greatest  anxiety  to  investigate  their  wretched  plight. 
To  my  surprise  all  hands  were  gay  and  jolly,  and  as  comfortable 
as  need  be.  There  was  plenty  of  wood,  and  rousing  fires  burn 
ing  all  about;  the  snow  was  brushed  away,  and  the  little  tents 
set  up  around  the  fires;  hot  coffee  and  rations  from  the  haver 
sacks  were  passing  around,  and  altogether  it  was  a  bright  and 
lively  scene,  teeming  with  real  comfort. 

The  next  morning  I  was  sent  forward  to  find  the  landing. 
It  was  on  a  point  of  land  made  by  a  sharp  bend  of  the  river  to 
the  left,  and  was  exposed  to  bleak  winds.  The  brigade  was 
moved  down  to  this  point  and  began  to  cross,  as  near  as  I  can 
remember,  about  noon.  It  was  a  slow  process,  owing  to  lack  of 
transportation,  and  night  was  upon  us  with  two  regiments  still 
to  cross.  Meanwhile  the  cold  had  increased,  and  it  became 
absolutely  necessary  to  provide  fires.  All  the  way  down  through 
Maryland  the  most  scrupulous  attention  had  been  paid  to  the 
protection  of  private  property,  and,  with  the  exception  of  some 
individual  pilfering,  nothing  had  been  taken.  Now,  on  this  cold 
plain,  there  were  some  large  piles  of  dry  fence  rails,  which,  as 
the  cold  increased  and  the  night  approached,  became  the  subject 
of  earnest  consideration  among  the  shivering  officers.  The 
thing  was  argued  pro  and  con,  the  constitutional  lawyers  being 
still  scrupulous,  but  their  compunctions  decreasing  in  direct 
ratio  to  the  increase  of  the  cold.  The  result  was  in  accordance 
with  human  nature  under  such  circumstances — there  were  soon 
long  lines  of  blazing  fires  upon  the  plain,  and  the  boys  were  safe 
from  further  suffering.  Night  fell;  our  regiment  had  gone  over, 
but  there  were  still  two  other  regiments  of  the  brigade  huddled 


RHODE*  ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  267 

around  the  fires,  and  it  was  uncertain  whether  the  transport 
would  return  that  night  or  not.  Colonel  Wright,  who  was  still 
suffering  from  an  injury  he  had  received  some  weeks  before,  de 
cided  there  was  no  need  of  his  remaining  longer,  and  asked  some 
one  of  his  staff  to  volunteer  to  stay  to  look  out  for  the  remaining 
regiments,  whether  they  crossed  that  night  or  slept  on  the  hither 
shore.  I  said  I  would  accept  that  duty,  and  as  the  evening  wore 
away  and  no  transport  appearing,  I  called  the  officers  together 
for  a  council  as  to  where  they  would  pass  the  night.  There  was 
a  sidehill  near  by  sheltered  from  the  wind  and  covered  with 
evergreens,  but  also  covered  with  snow.  The  choice  was  between 
that  location  and  the  present,  which  had  the  advantage  of  the 
blazing  fires.  They  decided  to  remain  where  they  were,  and  I 
started  to  ride  back  over  rough,  frozen  ground,  covered  with 
ice  and  snow,  to  headquarters.  My  horse  here  cast  a  shoe,  and 
I  was  obliged  to  dismount  and  lead  him  all  the  way,  about  two 
miles,  back  to  quarters. 

The  next  day  was  as  severe  as  the  preceding,  and  I  was  left  to 
see  the  last  remnants  of  baggage,  etc.,  across,  and  did  not  land 
at  Acquia  Creek  till  after  dark.  I  was  entirely  alone,  and  had 
no  information  whatever  in  what  direction  the  brigade  had  gone. 
There  were  plenty  of  soldiers'  quarters  and  storehouses  all 
about,  but  nobody  knew  anything  about  the  location  of  our 
troops.  So  many  thousands  of  troops  were  movingj  that  no 
body  took  particular  note  of  anything  so  small  as  a  brigade  of 
a  few  thousand  men.  Supperless  and  cold,  dreary  and  lone 
some,  I  cast  about  me  for  somewhere  to  pass  that  dreadful  night. 
Acres  of  canal  boats  and  scows  and  transports  filled  the  river, 
and  the  best  I  could  do  was  to  get  on  board  a  transport,  and 
going  below  try  to  find  a  place  as  much  sheltered  from  the  wind 
as  possible.  Here  I  passed  the  night,  or  what  remained  of  it, 
upon  a  plank,  without  so  much  as  a  blanket,  with  mules  stamp 
ing  and  braying  overhead,  making  one  of  the  most  uncomfortable 
nights  in  my  existence. 

The  next  morning,  after  some  exploration,  I  found  our  brigade 
some  two  miles  out,  on  a  rough  sidehill,  in  the  snow,  with  fires 
made  of  pine  boughs.  The  smoke  from  these  fires  was  blinding, 
and  every  soldier  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment  "knows  what  "Camp 


268  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTS    REGIMENT 

Smoke"  means.  Thinking  it  about  time  for  breakfast,  I  looked 
around  to  see  what  I  could  lay  my  hands  on.  I  found  Captain 
Longstreet,  of  Company  B,  who  was  my  captain.  He  had  a 
little  chunk  of  salt  pork  and  a  handful  of  crumbs  in  the  bottom 
of  a  cracker  box ;  there  didn't  seem  to  be  any  convenient  way  of 
cooking  the  pork,  and  so  I  devoured  it  raw,  with  the  help  of  the 
cracker  crumbs. 

Lying  here  three  days,  we  had  orders  to  move  on  towards  Fal- 
mouth,  and  came  up  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  which 
stretched  some  miles  up  and  down  the  Rappahannock,  opposite 
Fredericksburg.  This  was  on  the  evening  of  December  10,  1862, 
three  days  before  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg.  Here  we  found 
that  our  brigade  was  to  be  a  brigade  no  more,  but  the  various 
regiments  were  to  be  sent  to  strengthen  other  organizations  in 
the  Ninth  Army  Corps,  our  lot  falling  with  the  First  Brigade, 
General  Nagle,  Second  Division.  That  night  I  found  the 
Fourth  Rhode  Island,  and  supped  with  my  old  classmate,  Capt. 
Edward  P.  Brown.  During  the  night  I  heard  the  rumbling  of 
the  pontoon  bridges  as  they  were  being  transported  over  the 
frozen  ground  to  the  river.  Weeks  before,  in  the  pleasant  No 
vember  weather,  I  had  seen  these  same  pontoons  floating  quietly 
down  the  Potomac  before  we  left  Fairfax  Seminary,  and  their 
whereabouts  had  been  a  subject  of  anxious  speculation  ever  since 
Burnside  had  arrived  at  Fredericksburg.  About  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning  the  boom  of  cannon  from  the  direction  of  the  river 
suggested  some  serious  thoughts.  That  morning  I  reported  to 
Colonel  Browne,  who  sent  me  to  my  company  as  first  lieutenant 
under  Captain  Longstreet.  Thousands  of  troops  were  drawn 
out  upon  the  plains  under  arms,  ready  to  cross  into  Fredericks 
burg  as  soon  as  the  pontoon  bridges  could  be  laid.  Heavy  can 
nonading  went  on  all  day  for  the  purpose  of  clearing  the  opposite 
shore  of  rebel  sharpshooters  preparatory  to  laying  the  pontoons. 
We  lay  here  all  day,  and  here  the  first  man  I  had  seen  wounded 
in  battle  was  brought  back  from  towards  the  river. 

The  cannonade  ceased  at  night  and  stillness  settled  down  over 
that  vast  army,  and  during^ the  silent  watches  I  could  hear  the 
clocks  in  the  church  towers  of  the  city  tolling  out  the  hours.  It 
had  seemed  to  me  for  weeks  past  that  we  were  almost  outside 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  269 

the  pale  of  civilization.  Living  in  open  fields,  seldom  entering 
a  habitable  place,  the  total  absence  of  ordinary  comforts,  biv 
ouacking  amidst  snow-banks,  and,  above  all,  the  apparent  dis 
regard  and  cheapness  of  human  life,  had  served  to  create  and 
intensify  this  feeling,  but  the  sound  of  those  bells,  exactly  as  I 
had  heard  them  a  thousand  times  at  home,  renewed  with  strange 
intensity  the  recollection  of  all  the  peace  and  comfort  and  friend 
ship  which  I  had  left  behind,  and  for  a  time  had  almost  forgot 
ten. 

The  next  day,  December  12th,  we  were  under  arms,  and  we 
could  soon  see  that  the  army  was  in  motion  towards  the  river, 
and  at  length  it  came  our  turn.  We  filed  out  into  the  road  and 
marched  down  towards  the  river  and  Fredericksburg.  The  city 
extends  down  to  the  water's  edge  and  backward  up  sloping 
ground.  Behind  the  city  is  a  plain  of  some  extent,  and  beyond 
this  Marye's  Heights,,  which  are  about  parallel  with  the  river. 
On  these  heights  the  enemy  was  posted.  The  river  on  our  side 
is  skirted  by  a  steep  bluff  approaching  almost  to  the  river  bank. 
On  this  bluff,  and  directly  opposite  the  city,  is  the  Lacy  House, 
a  fine  old  mansion  which  had  been  surrounded  with  elegant 
grounds  and  trees,  all  of  which  were  now  in  ruins.  Our  artillery 
was  posted  for  a  long  distance  up  and  down  this  bluff,  and 
commanded  the  entire  city  and  the  enemy's  works  on  Marye's 
Heights.  A  lively  cannonade  was  going  on  across  the  valley, 
and,  as  we  were  filing  down  through  a  gully  or  defile  just  above 
the  Lacy  House,  to  reach  the  pontoon  bridge,  a  shell  from  the 
enemy  went  through  the  branches  of  a  tree  over  our  heads.  As 
I  was  stepping  upon  the  bridge  I  met  and  shook  hands  with  a 
college  classmate,  Gamaliel  Lyman  Dwight,  who  was  an  officer 
in  a  Rhode  Island  battery.  Troops,  horses  and  artillery  were 
crowding  up  to  this  little  bridge,  the  top  of  which  seemed  only 
a  few  inches  from  the  surface  of  the  water,  narrow  and  without 
railings,  a  floating  structure  held  in  position  by  anchors.  It 
seemed  a  frail  thing  to  support  an  army,  but  it  served  the  pur 
pose  well. 

From  the  moment  I  entered  that  city  until  I  got  out  of  it,  I 
felt  a  degree  of  helplessness  and  restraint,  like  a  man  with  his 
hands  tied,  such  as  I  think  I  never  experienced  anywhere  else. 


270  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Thousands  upon  thousands  of  soldiers  were  huddled  and  crowded 
in  the  streets ;  the  city  seemed  packed  with  men,  and  all  in  a  po 
sition  where  they  could  apparently  do  little  or  nothing  to  defend 
themselves  against  attack.  It  seemed  to  me  entirely  within  the 
power  of  General  Lee  to  have  thrown  the  army  into  utter  con 
fusion  and  rout  if  he  had  seen  fit  to  drop  a  few  hundred  shells 
into  that  crowded  mass.  As  it  was,  he  contented  himself  for 
that  day  with  shelling  our  troops  as  they  approached  the  river, 
and  endeavoring  to  destroy  the  pontoons  by  dropping  shells 
upon  them.  The  location  of  the  bridges,  although  not  visible  to 
the  rebels,  was  easily  enough  determined  by  the  direction  taken 
by  our  troops  to  reach  them,  the  bluff  over  which  we  approached 
the  river  being  in  perfectly  plain  sight  from  the  rebel  position. 
In  the  course  of  the  day  they  got  the  ranges  so  well  that  in  one 
instance  a  regiment  of  infantry  coming  over  the  bluff  by  the 
flank  was  struck  and  some  of  the  men  evidently  killed,  breaking 
up  the  regiment  quite  badly.  At  the  same  time,  a  short  distance 
above,  along  the  bluff,  was  a  long  line  of  spectators  in  dark  citi 
zens'  clothes  who  had  come  to  witness  the  battle  from  what  they 
had  evidently  supposed  was  a  pretty  safe  distance.  The  break 
ing  up  of  that  line  of  dark-coated  citizens  was  something  mag 
ical  ;  it  vanished  like  a  flock  of  blackbirds. 

Later  in  the  day  a  regiment  of  cavalry,  moving  also  by  the 
flank,  came  slowly  over  the  bluff  to  descend  to  the  bridge  exactly 
over  the  spot  where  the  infantry  regiment  had  passed.  Again 
a  shell  struck  almost  in  the  same  spot  and  exploded.  The  only 
notice  taken  of  the  occurrence  was  a  slight  swerve  of  the  line  to 
one  side;  not  a  man  left  his  place  except  those  prostrated  by  the 
shot;  the  line  moved  on  as  steadily  and  majestically  as  if  on 
parade.  And  so  all  day  long  troops  poured  over  the  bluff  down 
into  the  city  and  thronged  its  streets,  until  the  whole  place 
seemed  one  vast  hive  of  armed  men. 

The  city  itself  seemed  to  me  to  be  about  the  size  of  Woon- 
socket,  and  this  comparison  was  settled  upon  as  correct,  between 
Captain  Hubbard,  of  Company  F,  who  was  himself  a  native  of 
Woonsocket,  and  myself.  There  were  several  churches,  at  least 
one  printing  office,  and  many  fine  residences.  It  seemed  singu 
lar  to  me  how  little  damage  the  cannonade  of  the  previous  day 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  271 

had  done  to  the  town.  Here  and  there  a  shot  had  passed 
through  a  building,  but  there  was  nothing  that  looked  like  de 
struction.  Fine  dwellings,  richly  furnished  throughout,  bearing 
every  evidence  of  recent  occupation,  were  all  about  us,  and  it  ap 
peared  that  the  whole  population,  engaged  in  their  usual  voca 
tions,  had  suddenly  been  expelled  from  their  homes,  leaving  al 
most  everything  behind  them,  probably  for  want  of  transporta 
tion.  This  devoted  city  had  suddenly  found  itself  between  two 
mighty  armies  as  in  a  vise.  Nothing  but  instant  flight  remained 
before  those  forces  should  close  upon  each  other,  and  so  the  pop 
ulation,  only  a  day  or  two  before,  taking  of  their  possessions 
what  little  they  could  carry  in  their  hands,  poured  out  upon  the 
roads  leading  from  the  city  towards  Richmond,  and  found  shelter 
where  they  could,  giving  up  their  homes  to  the  fortunes  of  war. 
One  family  of -colored  people  we  did  find  who  remained  through 
the  cannonade.  They  said  they  preferred  their  chances  with  the 
shot  and  shell  to  going  south  farther  into  the  realm  of  slavery. 
A  cannon  ball  went  through  their  little  house,  but  they  were 
alive  and  unharmed,  and  cooked  a  johnny-cake  for  us. 

I  had  a  ubiquitous  little  darkey  boy  for  a  servant,  he  came 
to  me  not  long  after  we  reached  our  position  in  one  of  the  streets 
in  the  city,  and  inquired  whether  I  would  like  some  griddlecakes. 
The  little  rascal  had  plundered  the  flour  barrel  in  a  dwelling 
near  by,  and  had  got  his  fire  and  griddle  in  the  yard,  prepared 
to  dispense  refreshments  to  all  comers. 

The  next  morning,  December  13th,  opened  with  a  heavy  fog 
enveloping  the  city  and  much  of  the  valley.  As  everybody 
knows,  the  position  of  the  Confederates  back  of  Fredericksburg 
was  a  commanding  one,  being  on  an  eminence  and  approached 
from  the  city,  first  over  a  plain,  and  then  up  along  a  steep  ac 
clivity.  It  is  also  well  known  that  General  Franklin  was  in 
position  some  three  miles  below  Fredericksburg,  where  the 
ground  in  front  of  him  was  less  difficult,  and  that  Franklin,  from 
his  position,  was  to  co-operate  with  the  force  that  lay  in  Fred 
ericksburg.  The  fog  delayed  operations  until  well  into  the 
morning,  but  finally  began  to  lift,  and  we  heard  firing  back  of 
the  city,  in  the  direction  of  Marye's  Heights.  Soon  troops  be 
gan  to  move  out,  aides  went  dashing  through  the  streets  with 


272  HISTORY    OP   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

orders,  one  command  after  another  gathered  itself  up  and  moved 
off,  but  from  our  position  in  a  street  running  parallel  with  the 
river,  no  observations  could  be  had  of  the  operations.  In  the 
meantime  artillery  fire  had  begun  on  both  sides,  and,  although 
the  enemy  appeared  to  studiously  avoid  firing  upon  any  part  of 
the  city,  and  directed  their  attention  to  our  guns  posted  on  the 
bluff  across  the  river,  yet  occasionally  a  shell  fell  short  and  came 
uncomfortably  near.  One  dropped  on  a  roof  near  by,  and 
seemed  to  glance  off  and  pass  over  our  heads.  This  was  one  of 
the  disagreeable  situations, — to  be  penned  up  between  the  houses, 
unable  to  see  anywhere  in  particular  or  to  do  anything  whatever, 
and  feel  yourself  under  fire,  and  liable  to  be  cut  down  like  a  dog, 
was  extremely  disturbing.  I  can't  really  say  that  I  felt  so  very 
much  better  when  I  saw  a  mounted  officer  ride  up  to  General 
Nagle,  commanding  our  brigade,  and  saw  the  instant  bustle  of 
preparation,  mounting  in  haste  and  galloping  to  different  parts 
of  the  line.  We  were  under  way  at  once,  and  soon  found  our 
selves  outside  the  city,  and  marching  in  line  of  battle  toward  the 
field  of  action.  We  at  once  came  under  fire,  and  suddenly  one 
of  the  privates  in  my  company  dropped  to  the  ground,  writhing 
as  in  great  agony.  I  felt  very  sorry  for  the  poor  fellow,  but 
could  not  stop  to  care  for  him.  I  think  I  directed  some  one  to 
look  after  him.  It  turned  out  afterwards  that  the  fellow  was 
safe  and  sound,  unharmed  by  any  rebel  bullet.  He  had  evidently 
made  up  his  mind  to  continue  so,  and  adhered  to  his  resolution 
with  great  fortitude. 

We  advanced  across  the  plain  in  line  of  battle  at  double-quick 
until  we  reached  rising  ground  and  came  to  a  steep  bank  afford 
ing  protection  from  infantry  fire,  and  here  we  were  halted  and 
ordered  to  lie  down  for  a  short  rest.  Our  artillery,  from  its  posi 
tion  on  the  bluff  across  the  river,  was  shelling  the  heights  in 
front  of  us,  their  shots  passing  over  our  heads,  and  the  rebel  bat 
teries  replying;  hence  we  were  under  a  sort  of  canopy,  although 
not  one  suggestive  of  the  utmost  protection,  especially  when  an 
occasional  shot  from  our  guns  fell  short  and  dropped  upon  the 
intervening  ground. 

The  scene  was  grand  in  the  extreme.  The  roar  of  the  cannon 
ade,  the  hurtling  of  shells  through  the  air,  the  rattle  of  musketry 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  273 

fire  in  our  front,  the  shouts  of  officers  and  men,  the  rapid  move 
ments  of  large  bodies  of  troops  to  be  seen  in  various  directions, 
and  the  playing  of  numberless  military  bands,  all  blended  in  the 
uproar.  Victory  seemed  certain,  and  the  more  so  because  we 
heard  the  advancing  fire  of  Franklin  far  to  our  left,  which  gave 
the  almost  certain  assurance  that  he  would  soon  flank  the  works 
in  our  front,  and  from  a  far  better  vantage  ground  unite  with  us 
in  driving  the  enemy  from  the  height. 

Here  a  mishap  occurred  to  the  left  of  our  line  which  was  a 
never-ending  source  of  regret.  The  bank  behind  which  we  were 
sheltered  presented  an  angle  to  our  line,  so  that  the  two  com 
panies  on  the  left  were  hidden  from  the  others  in  that  position, 
my  company  (B)  being  on  the  extreme  left.  I  spoke  to  the  com 
pany  commander  next  on  our  right  to  watch  carefully  when  the 
regiment  moved,  so  that  we  should  not  get  broken  off  from  the 
rest  of  the  line.  There  was  a  ravine  pretty  close  to  our  left 
which  necessitated  moving  to  the  right  as  we  advanced.  Cap 
tain  Longstreet  and  myself  were  reconnoitering  the  lay  of  the 
land  along  this  ravine  for  a  few  moments,  and  meanwhile  a  shell 
from  the  enemy  had  struck  our  line  near  where  it  broke  around 
the  angle,  taking  off  a  leg  of  one  of  the  men  and  causing  some 
confusion.  Receiving  no  notice  of  the  movements  of  the  main 
part  of  the  regiment,  which  was  around  the  bend,  I  looked  for 
it,  and  found  it  had  moved  on  to  the  right,  leaving  the  two  left 
companies  broken  off.  Colonel  Browne  was  at  the  time  practi 
cally  without  a  field  officer  to  help  him,  and,  as  I  believe,  did  not 
know  of  the  configuration  of  the  ground  at  the  left.  Major  Dyer 
had  been  incapacitated  for  further  service  by  a  fragment  of  a 
shell,  and  we  were  left  without  any  knowledge  as  to  what  part 
of  the  field  we  were  destined.  We  immediately  pressed  forward 
in  the  direction  supposed  to  have  been  taken  by  the  rest  of  the 
regiment  until  we  entered  a  railroad  cut.  We  found  our  right 
had  just  preceded  us  over  this  ground.  The  cut  here  was  along 
a  sidehill  with  scarcely  any  bank  on  the  side  as  we  entered,  but 
a  high  bank  in  front  of  us.  This  high  bank  was  a  partial  shelter 
from  the  fire,  but  only  partial,  as  it  ran  obliquely  to  the  line  of 
the  enemy's  works.  We  found  a  Maryland  regiment  in  this  cut 
that  refused  to  stir.  There  was  a  brigadier  in  full  uniform,  ex- 
is 


274  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

horting  with  all  the  eloquence  he  could  command,  but  to  no  pur 
pose,  so  far  as  I  saw.  I  afterwards  learned  that  our  orders 
were,  on  leaving  the  city,  to  follow  this  regiment. 

While  advancing  to  the  railroad  cut  we  could  hear  Franklin 
thundering  far  down  to  our  left,  and  fancied  by  the  sound  that 
his  line  was  advancing,  and  we  dashed  ahead  greatly  encouraged 
by  this  circumstance,  although  chagrined  and  disappointed  at 
our  unfortunate  separation  from  the  rest  of  the  regiment,  and 
still  worse  at  being  separated  from  our  commander,  scarcely 
knowing  what  use  to  make  of  ourselves,  except,  if  possible,  to 
reattach  ourselves  to  the  main  part  of  the  regiment.  Halting  a 
few  moments  in  the  railroad  cut  for  a  breathing  spell,  after  a 
double-quick,  we  scrambled  up  the  bank  to  go  forward.  We  had 
already  been  under  quite  a  fire  in  reaching  the  railroad,  but  when 
my  head  passed  above  the  top  of  that  bank  it  seemed  to  me  there 
was  a  perfect  hurricane  of  lead  howling,  screeching  and  hissing 
through  the  air.  The  ground  was  strewn  with  dead  and 
wounded  and  debris  of  all  sorts, — haversacks,  knapsacks,  can 
teens  and  broken  muskets.  It  seemed  to  me,  as  I  stood  up,  that 
the  air  above  my  head  was  thick  enough  with  lead  to  cut  my  fin 
ger  off  if  I  had  held  it  up.  I  could  compare  it  to  nothing  but  a 
swarm  of  bees  in  the  air.  This,  of  course  happened  to  be  where 
the  fire  concentrated.  I  saw  nothing  like  it  anywhere  else  that 
day.  I  knew  very  well  that  a  large  proportion  of  all  the  fire  of 
musketry  is  too  high  to  be  dangerous.  If  I  had  not  been  com 
forted  by  that  belief,  acquired  in  previous  reading,  I  would  not 
answer  for  my  conduct  as  a  soldier  at  that  particular  juncture. 

Captain  Longstreet,  far  in  advance,  reckless  of  himself,  wav 
ing  his  sword  and  shouting  "Forward!"  was  the  very  picture- of 
a  hero.  Too  impetuous  to  wait  the  slower  movements  of  the 
company,  he  continued  to  charge  forward,  and  it  devolved  upon 
me  to  bring  the  company  up  the  bank  and  take  it  over  the  ex 
posed  ground  directly  in  front.  I  made  every  man  bend  forward 
and  thus  diminish  the  danger  from  rifle-balls,  and  I  believe  we 
did  not  lose  a  man  in  crossing  at  this  exposed  point.  We  now 
found  ourselves  on  the  sidehill  that  leads  up  to  the  crest.  The 
fire  slackened  somewhat,  and  the  irregularities  of  the  ground 
were  sufficient  to  protect  our  men,  and  here  we  were  astray  on  a 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  275 

battlefield  endeavoring  to  find  the  main  part  of  our  command 
without  success.  Anxious  inquiries  elicited  no  information,  or 
were  unheeded.  There  was  no  enemy  to  be  seen  and  nobody  to 
direct  our  fire,  and  we  lay  here  through  the  mortal  hours  of  that 
day  perfectly  conscious  that  our  army  could  accomplish  nothing 
at  this  point,  and  notified  by  the  retreating  fire  away  to  the  left 
that  Franklin's  movement  was  a  failure.  We  knew  that  our 
presence  was  of  no  use,  but  we  remained,  hoping  for  orders  of 
some  kind,  our  men  firing  an  occasional  shot  at  the  undiscover- 
able  enemy. 

Towards  sunset  occurred  a  grand  and  thrilling  military  spec 
tacle.  This  was  the  charge  of  General  Humphreys's  division 
from  Hooker's  command,  which  was  the  final  effort  of  that  day  of 
great  efforts  and  great  failures.  Looking  away  to  the  right  and 
rear,  I  saw  a  division  coming  in  on  the  double-quick,  with  their 
muskets  on  the  right  shoulder,  glistening  in  the  declining  sun. 
As  the  head  of  the  column  reached  the  foot  of  this  steep  ascent, 
it  turned  to  the  left  and  stretched  itself  along  parallel  to  the 
heights,  faced  to  the  front  and  halted.  So  deadly  had  been  the 
fire  that  day  that  scarcely  a  horse  was  to  be  seen  on  the  field. 
General  Humphreys,  however,  sat  upon  his  charger  as  the  fire 
redoubled  upon  his  line.  I  ran  down  to  near  where  the  general 
was  preparing  for  the  charge,  and  heard  the  orders  to  "Face  to 
the  front  and  lie  down!"  He  sat  in  the  slanting  rays  of  the 
setting  sun  under  the  redoubled  fire,  coolly  waiting  for  his  men 
to  gain  their  breath  for  the  final  effort.  Presently  his  sword 
flashed  in  the  air,  and  the  orders,  "Rise  up — forward — guide 
centre!"  rang  down  the  line,  and  that  line  of  battle  started  up, 
up  the  hill,  wavering,  undulating  with  men  dropping,  dropping, 
and  others  staggering  to  the  rear,  until  it  was  a  broken  and 
ragged  line.  It  stopped,  and  the  final  charge  was  over.  Out  of 
four  thousand  men,  nearly  half  fell  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour. 
"Having  lost,"  says  General  Humphreys,  in  his  report,  "as  many 
men  as  my  orders  required  me  to  lose,  I  suspended  the  attack, 
and  directed  that  the  men  should  hold  for  the  advance  line  a 
ditch  which  would  afford  shelter." 

The  unfortunate  separation  of  the  two  left  companies  from 
the  rest  of  the  line  deprived  us  of  the  example  and  direction  of  a 


276  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

lion-hearted  leader.  Throughout  the  day,  Colonel  Browne  stood 
erect,  disdaining  shelter,  observing  the  field  and  directing  his 
men.  A  shot  passed  through  his  cape,  but  left  the  wearer  un 
harmed.  Lieutenant  Abbott  seized  the  regimental  colors  and 
planted  them  far  in  advance  of  the  line.  Color  Sergeant  De- 
Volve  stood  by,  coolly  saying,  "You  will  probably  fall  in  a  few 
moments,  and  I  will  be  ready  to  take  them.7'  Lieutenant  Briggs, 
of  Company  A,  was  cut  to  pieces  with  Minie  balls.  Lieutenant 
Hopkins,  of  Company  I,  was  struck  on  the  instep  with  a  piece  of 
shell,  and  his  foot  was  amputated.  He  was  sent  to  a  hospital 
in  Washington,  and  died  there.  He  had  been  sick  for  several 
days,  and  was  too  ill  for  duty  the  day  of  the  fight,  but  his  cap 
tain,  a  brave  and  ambitious  officer,  had  been  sent  to  a  hospital 
across  the  river  several  days  before,  and  Hopkins  refused  to  re 
linquish  command  of  his  company.  A  shell  passed  in  front  of 
Lieut.  Daniel  E.  Ballou,  of  Company  C,  so  near  his  face  as  to 
cause  concussion.  Blinded  and  dazed,  he  staggered  back  down 
into  the  city  and  across  the  river.  He  was  sent  to  the  hospital, 
where  he  was  confined  many  weeks.  A  Minie  ball  tore  through 
the  face  of  Lieutenant  Lawton,  of  Company  C,  producing  an 
ugly  wound.  Sergeant  Pollard,  of  Company  G,  despairing  of 
regaining  the  main  body,  joined  another  regiment  and  shared  its 
fortunes,  being  wounded  severely  in  the  arm.  He  displayed 
great  gallantry,  and  was  promoted  for  his  bravery,  receiving 
honorable  mention  from  the  colonel  whom  he  served  that  day. 
The  loss  of  the  regiment  in  killed  and  wounded  was  one  hundred 
and  nine,  and  ninety-five  missing. 

After  nightfall  we  found  ourselves  together  again  in  the  city 
in  the  position  which  we  had  left  in  the  morning.  Inquiring  for 
the  missing,  my  old  schoolfellow  and  friend,  Lieutenant  Ballou, 
was  not  to  be  found,  and  I  returned  to  the  field  to  look  for  him. 
The  night  was  dark,  and  all  over  the  battle  ground,  from  one 
end  to  the  other,  lay  the  dead  and  wounded,  the  groans  and  cries 
of  the  latter  coming  up  from  the  darkness.  The  ambulance  men 
were  busy  collecting  the  sufferers.  They  were  carried  in  the 
first  place  and  laid  in  rows  adjacent  to  a  road  that  climbed  the 
hill  from  the  city.  The  ambulances,  one  after  another  in  a  con 
tinuous  line,  came  past,  were  loaded  and  driven  back  to  the  town. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  277 

After  a  fruitless  search,  I  mounted  the  box  with  the  driver  of  an 
ambulance  and  rode  back.  I  then  saw  that  there  was  apparently 
a  continuous  line  of  these  vehicles  moving  in  a  circle;  as  soon  as 
one  had  received  its  load,  another  was  ready.  The  floors  of  all 
the  churches  had  been  swept  clean  of  the  pews  and  converted  into 
hospitals;  the  surgeons,  in  ante-rooms  and  chancels,  upon  im 
provised  tables,  were  amputating  limbs  and  dressing  wounds. 

The  next  day  (Sunday)  was  one  of  anxious  expectation. 
Huddled  back  into  the  streets  and  lanes  of  the  city  again,  it 
seemed  almost  a  miracle  that  General  Lee  did  not  attempt  the 
rout  of  our  army  from  his  vantage  ground  above  us  and  the  river 
at  our  back.  There  were  rumors  that  General  Burnside  had  re 
solved  to  range  his  Ninth  Army  Corps  in  column  of  regiments, 
and,  placing  himself  at  the  head,  drive  that  column  like  a  batter 
ing  ram  against  the  centre  of  the  line  on  the  heights,  and  break 
it  by  sheer  force  of  numbers  and  impetus,  but  the  day  passed 
quietly,  and  so  did  the  next.  Meanwhile  the  ambulance  men 
were  busy  again,  emptying  the  churches  of  the  wounded  and  con 
veying  them  across  the  river. 

Monday  night  came  on,  dark  and  cloudy.  In  the  evening  we 
had  orders  to  move.  Proceeding  up  through  the  city  towards 
the  heights  again,  on  the  outskirts,  we  were  ordered  to  observe 
the  strictest  silence ;  not  a  tin  cup  must  rattle,  not  a  loud  word ; 
all  orders  were  given  in  whispers.  We  took  up  a  position  within 
a  few  rods  of  the  rebel  pickets  with  orders  to  hold  that  position 
to  the  last  man.  The  inky  darkness  and  our  extreme  caution 
alone  shielded  us  from  the  attention  of  our  friends,  the  enemy. 

Having  selected  our  ground,  Colonel  Browne  sent  for  some 
shovels  to  throw  up  earthworks,  and  posted  a  force  in  a  brick 
building  on  our  flank.  There  not  being  shovels  enough  to  go 
round,  I  divided  our  company  into  reliefs,  so  as  to  accomplish 
the  most  possible.  Those  not  employed  for  the  time  being,  lay 
on  the  ground  to  the  rear. 

While  silently  delving  in  the  loamy  soil,  a  rifle-shot  in  our 
ranks  broke  the  stillness,  followed  by  a  groan.  A  man  on  the 
ground  had  carelessly  discharged  his  piece  and  wounded  a  com 
rade.  Now  we  were  in  for  it;  but  no!  Every  man  held  his 
breath,  and  all  was  quiet  again.  Suddenly  a  whispered  or- 


278  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

der  ran  down  the  line:  "Drop  your  shovels" — "get  into 
line" — "leave  everything!"  We  filed  down  into  the  town.  Here 
and  there  the  ruins  of  a  burned  building  flickered  and  smoul 
dered,  but  where  were  the  legions  that  a  few  hours  before  peo 
pled  the  thoroughfares?  That  city  was  as  deserted  and  silent 
as  the  tombs.  We  marched  on  through  empty  streets  to  the  up 
per  end  of  the  town,  down  to  the  pontoon  bridges,  crossed  over, 
and  the  city  was  alone. 


ERASTUS  RICHARDSON. 


ROCKY  POINT. 

VEKSES  READ  AUG.  7,  1894,  AT  THE  ANNUAL  REUNION  OF  THE  TWELFTH 
RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 

BY.  ERASTUS  RICHARDSON. 


AT  length  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  "Trotters" 

Have  found  the  most  delightful  quarters, 

And  though  all  else  seems  out  of  joint 

Lo,  here  we  are  at  Rocky  Point ! 

No  more  the  orator  and  bard 

Pay  their  respects  to  Beauregard, 

Nor  from  the  workshops  and  the  farms 

An  outraged  people  rush  to  arms — 

But  from  the  conquered  southern  rebs 

They  turn  their  thoughts  to  "Gen."  Debs, 

And  other  cranks  whose  glittering  shams 

Disturb  us  at  our  feast  of  clams. 

In  peace  we  contemplate  to-day 

The  scenes  of  Narragansett  Bay. 

Its  merry  parties  floating  down 

From  Providence  to  Newport  town, 

Its  pleasure  boats  and  yachting  crews, 

So  different  from  Newport  News, 

Make  us  forget  with  quickening  blood 

The  shades  of  Falmouth  and  "Camp  Mud." 

Or,  if  our  memories  go  back 

To  days  of  bacon  and  hard-tack, 

When  lions  roared  around  the  cupboard 

(I  mean  the  pets  of  Captain  Hubbard), 

And  oyster  patties,,  cakes  and  creams 

Regaled  us  nightly — in  our  dreams. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

With  what  delight  do  we  recall 
Frank  Ballou's  luxuriant  banquet  hall, 
His  beaming  smile,  his  modest  mien, 
And  his  hospitable — canteen! 

Indeed,  this  day  to  us  so  dear, 
This  Mecca  sought  from  year  to  year, 
Derives  its  charm  from  being  when 
We  may  trot  out  to  view  again 
Our  pranks  and  perils,  joys  and  woes 
And  all,  except  our  army  clothes, 
For  these  amid  the  dreadful  strife 
Were  sacred  and  endowed  with  life, 
And  might  solemnify  the  fun 
That  bubbles  up  in  every  one. 

Aind  yet  this  day,  with  all  its  joys,, 
Its  chowder,  clams,  ice  cream  and  noise, 
Can't  hold  a  candle  to  the  one 
When  Pardon  seized  a  dreadful  gun, 
And  I,  with  some  destructive  organ — 
A  pen,  I  think! — waited  for  Morgan, 
Who  came  not  to  complete  the  trio, 
But  skipped  from  "Jimtown"  to  Ohio! 
And  on  this  day,  so  eloquent, 
With  wit  and  song  and  merriment, 
No  brighter  is  the  laugh  and  joke 
Than  what  rolled  upward  from  "Camp  Smoke," 
Where  those  who  were  inclined  to  laughter 
Need  have  no  fears  of  the  hereafter! 
Unless  within  the  shades  infernal 
Exists  the  broomstick  of  the  colonel ! 
Nor  do  we  feel  a  whit  more  lucky 
Than  when  we  "frogged  it"  through  Kentucky, 
And  with  an  appetite  most  hearty 
Marched  bravely  into  Cincinnati. 
How  Andrew,  Amasa  and  I 
Enjoyed  that  glorious  victory, 
And  with  what  elegant  bonhomie 
The  captain  marched  with  Frank  and  "Tommy!" 
Much  of  the  latter  I  might  sing, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  281 

But  it  would  rob  Lieutenant  King 
And  many  others  of  the  glory 
Of  telling  a  side-splitting  story ! 

But  mingled  with  this  scene  of  gladness 
There  is  a  twilight  tinge  of  sadness. 
O,  who  can  mark  the  whitening  hair, 
The  stooping  form,  the  empty  chair, 
That  meet  our  vision  year  by  year, 
Without  the  tribute  of  a  tear? 
And  who  of  us,  try  as  we  may, 
Do  not  anticipate  the  day 
When  one  by  one  our  comrades  brave 
Will  have  marched  out  beyond  the  grave, 
And  God's  sad  angel  shall  anoint 
But  two  or  three  at  Rocky  Point! 

But  I  must  not  in  hours  like  these 
Invoke  such  mournful  reveries. 
Though  thirty  years  have  rolled  away 
And  some  of  you  are  bent  and  gray, 
Yet  there  are  scores  before  me  still 
With  the  same  energy  and  will 
As  when  they  donned  the  suits  of  blue 
And  sought  the  front  in  '62 — 
Scores  who  would  greet  with  vigorous  arms 
Man's  hostile  blows,  or  woman's  charms, 
And  who  would  cheerfully  go  hence 
In  our  beloved  flag's  defense. 
Were  once  again  the  traitor's  hand 
To  spread  destruction  through  the  land! — 
And  our  dear  nation  scattered  o'er 
There  are  a  hundred  thousand  more 
As  resolute  and  brave  as  you — 
Not  only  those  who  wore  the  blue, 
But  those  who  donned  the  suits  of  gray, 
Who  would  march  forth  in  proud  array 
To  quench  the  horrors  that  will  be 
When  law  dissolves  in  anarchy! 

But  till  the  devil  himself  breaks  loose 
And  fool-reformers  kill  the  goose 


282  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Which  daily  lays  the  golden  egg, 

Till  tramps  are  not  obliged  to  beg, 

Loafers  to  work,  nor  thieves  to  steal, 

And  a  Bellamic  "Commonweal,77 

Such  as  a  Coxey,  Debs  and  Swift 

Explaterates  about,  shall  lift 

The  poor  and  lowly  from  the  ditch 

And  everybody  shall  be  rich ! 

Until,  in  short,  our  footsteps  tend 

And  reach  that  dreadful  point — the  end — 

And  every  emblem  of  the  free 

Shall  have  been  swept  from  land  and  sea, 

There  will  be  those  who  will  delight 

To  bring  to  mind  our  matchless  might, 

And  with  what  energy  and  will, 

What  neatness,  dignity  and  skill 

Rhode  Island  heroes  could  unjoint 

The  luscious  clams  of  Rocky  Point. 


THE   LAMENTATIONS   OF   THE  CHAPLAIN  OF  THE 
TWELFTH  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 

RECITED   AT  TEIB  ANNUAL   REUNION  AT  ROCKY  POINT,  AUG.  3,  1897. 
BY  ERASTUS  RICHARDSON. 


I. 

WE  have  reached  the  time  in  life 

When  the  trouble  and  the  strife 
That  to  newly  married  folks  are  incidental 

Have  completely  passed  away — 

And  we  find  ourselves  to-day 
In  a  sadder  plight,  both  physical  and  mental! 

All  the  wickedness  and  fun 

And  the  dangers  we  have  run 
Are  absorbed,  sixteen  to  one,  in  tribulations. 

This  is  then  a  fitting  hour 

(For  the  grapes  are  high  and  sour) 
To  enjoy  ourselves  with  mournful  lamentations, 

To  get  out  of  sorts  and  fret 

Of  the  tariff  and  the  debt 
And  tell  what  we  know  about  "an  honest  dollar!" 

Like  the  Irishman's  advice: 

"Av  the  dog  is  plagued  wid  lice 
Yez  should  clip  the  craythur's  tail  furnist  his  collar ! 

Thus  the  basthe  would  be  consoled 

And  be  worth  his  weight  in  gold 
And  be  able  to  defind  us  from  our  neighbors !" 

And  as  I  am  free  from  sin 

It  is  proper  to  begin 
The  beginning  of  my  melancholy  labors. 


284  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

II. 

When  you  fell  in  love  with  Kate 

Your  anxiety  was  great 
Lest  you  might  not  have  the  luck  or  pluck  to  get  her. 

Well,  you  got  her,  I  am  told, 

And  your  woes  increased  fourfold, 
But  the  least  to  speak  of  this  would  be  the  better! 

Ere  your  honeymoon  was  spent 

You  had  joined  the  regiment 
For  your  sweetheart  was  belligerent  and  plucky, 

And  you  needed  change  of  scene, 

So  you  loaded  your  canteen 
And  proceeded  from  Rhode  Island  to  Kentucky! 

But  the  more  you  marched  down  South 

You  grew  more  down  in  the  mouth. 
For  you  found  the  South  to  be  a  dreadful  dry  land, 

And  your  weary  soul  took  wings 

To  the  schooners  and  the  things 
And  the  girl  you  left  behind  you  in  Rhode  Island ! 

To  enumerate  the  woes 

That  you  suffered,  I  suppose, 
Would  require  a  day  or  two  of  constant  talking, 

But  you  won  enduring  fame 

And  while  doing  so  became 
Most  proficient  in  the  manly  art  of  walking! 

O,  how  oft  in  that  campaign 

Did  you  warble  the  refrain : 
"We'll  be  happy  when  the  cruel  war  is  over!" 

But  amidst  your  dreams  of  Kate 

You  could  not  anticipate 
What  came  later  in  the  days  of  honest  Grover! 

But  I  must  abstain  from  that! 

Not  for  worlds  would  I  combat 
Whatsoever  you  have  ever  set  your  eye  on ! 

And  it  will  be  wise  to  skip 

Matters  of  the  cup  and  lip 
Appertaining  to  the  recent  scrap  of  Bryan! 

Tribulation,  care  and  strife 

Have  disturbed  you  all  your  life — 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  285 

Your  bent  forms,  gray  hairs  and  wrinkles  plainly  show  it — 

But  now,  worst  of  all,  alas! 

It  has  grimly  come  to  pass, 
You  must  undergo  the  regimental  poet! 

Ah,  your  struggles  have  been  great 

With  the  Johnnies  and  with  Kate, 
You  have  undergone  much  outwardly  and  inly, 

But  your  conflict  with  the  bard 

Will  be  fruitless  and  as  hard 
As  some  office  seekers  suffer  from  McKinley! 

III. 

My  habit,  which  some  have  called  "rhyming," 

Began  in  my  earliest  youth, 
And  much  has  it  helped  me  in  climbing 

The  rugged  approaches  of  Truth. 
For  Truth,  though  the  sternest  of  Graces, 

Oft  yields  on  her  summit  sublime 
Her  tenderest  smiles  and  embraces 

To  those  who  salute  her  in  rhyme. 
But  the  notes  of  the  challenge  must  mingle 

And  blend  with  the  strains  at  her  shrine, 
For  rhyme  is  not  simply  the  jingle 

Of  words  at  the  end  of  a  line. 
7Tis  a  chord  in  a  chorus  unbroken, 

A  volume  of  wisdom  profound, 
A  something  which  doth  not  when  spoken 

Expire  in  a  volume  of  sound. 
Sometimes  my  poetical  labors 

Have  been  by  my  friends  misconstrued 
And  caused  me  to  be  by  my  neighbors 

Unjustly   condemned  and  reviewed. 
My  poems — now  don't  go  to  frowning 

And  turn  funny  thoughts  in  your  head! — 
My  poems  are  like  those  of  Browning: 

They  seldom,  if  ever,  are  read! 
And  like  the  late  laureate  Tennyson, 

And  other  great  masters  of  song, 


286  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Will  I  and  my  friend,  Mr.  Denison, 
Reach,  finally,  where  we  belong! 

And  now,  having  shown  my  credentials, 
Still  dripping  with  Parnassian  dews, 

I  venture  to  give  some  essentials 

To  those  who  would  flirt  with  the  Muse: 

IV. 

Whenever  you  perpetrate  verses 

Beware  of  the  newspaper  chaps, 
Or  your  ears  may  be  tingled  with  curses 

And  your  back  with  a  rawhide,  perhaps! 
But  when  by  the  Muse  you  are  smitten, 

Brush  up  some  forgotten  old  saw 
And  let  none  see  what  you  have  written 

Save  those  who  have  been  to  the  war! 
Nor  single  the  cook  or  the  colonel, 

But  summon  the  boys  to  the  feast 
And,  tipping  the  lads  of  the  Journal, 

Let  the  child  of  your  brain  be  released — 

Else  into  the  dreadful  waste  basket 

% 

Your  offspring  be  ruthlessly  tossed — 
And  then — O,  it  pains  me  to  ask  it ! — 

What  will  your  relations  have  lost? 
I  used  to  make  rhymes  for  the  papers — 

What  sillier  thing  could  one  do? 
But  now  my  poetical  capers 

I  hold  to  inflict  upon  you ! 
Thus,  comrades,  I  stand  up  before  you 

And  open  my  rhythmical  mouth, 
Believing  that  nothing  could  bore  you, 

Who  outtramped  the  tramps  of  the  South! 

V. 

O  Muse — thus  I  prudently  query, 
For  even  "the  lions"  look  weary ! 

Right  here  shall  I  stop  and  sit  down? 


TWELFTH    RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  287 

Or,  like  a  late  Rhode  Island  resident, 

Who  ought  to  have  been  the  vice-president, 

Continue  and  do  it  up  Brown? 
And  if  I  accomplish  what  he  did, 
Or  they  did,  I  shall  have  succeeded 

In  dreaming  a  beautiful  dream! 
For  all  that  I  need  at  this  minute, 
To  get  myself  very  much  "in  it," 

Is  simply  a  sensible  theme. 
Shall  I  sing  of  our  trip  through  Virginny? 
Of  the  captain's  demure  pickaninny? 

Our  Lexington  circus — and  such? 
But  the  colonel  would  doubtless  show  feeling 
And  charge  the  poor  minstrel  with  stealing 

The  thunder  he  prizes  so  much! 
Or  shall  I  slop  over  with  knowledge 
As  one  did  last  June  at  the  college? 

Ah,  then  you  would  all  stand  aghast, 
Or  say,  like  the  sensible  Quaker: 
"My  friend,  if  thou  art  a  shoemaker, 

Keep  silent,  and  stick  to  thy  last!" 
And  as  I  am  not  a  deep  student 
I  think  it  would  hardly  be  prudent 

To  deal  with  statistical  "facts." 
For  they,  like  a  midsummer  dickey, 
Sometimes  are  provokingly  sticky 

When  stiffened  with  shoemaker's  wax! 
Perhaps  I  might  sing  with  sincerity 
"The  grand  advance  guard  of  prosperity!" 

And  close  with  a  short  epitaph: 
"Here  lie — alas!  don't  you  remember? 
The  promises  made  last  November! 

O  pause,  weary  pilgrim,  and  laugh!" 
But  save  for  a  gravestone  to  show  it, 
The  old-fashioned  work  of  the  poet 

Is  not  in  demand  nowadays. 
For  men  have  grown  wise  and  more  critical 
In  matters  profound  and  political 

And  sneer  at  their  grandfather's  ways  I 


288  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

And  being  so  very  much  wiser, 
You  do  not  require  an  adviser 

To  save  you  from  getting  a  fall ; 
And  having  no  need  for  repentance 
You  see  not  the  odd-looking  sentence 

That  gleams  overhead  on  the  wall ! 
You  see  not  the  sentence?    Don't  tell  of  it! 
For  that,  my  dear  friends,  is  the  "hell  of  it !" 

Make  haste  to  restore  your  lost  sight! 
Let  the  minstrel  at  once  be  invited, 
For  the  poet  and  soldier  united 

Have  often  brought  darkness  to  light! 
The  one  on  the  ramparts  undaunted, 
The  other  with  lips  that  have  chanted 

What  fate  on  the  ceiling  hath  penned. 
And  both,  standing  shoulder  to  shoulder, 
May  quicken  faint  hearts  to  be  bolder 

And  ward  off  a  terrible  end ! 

VI.      . 

But  Truth  will  not  her  bounty  yield 
Unto  a  cold  and  barren  field, 
And  it  would  ill  become  the  Muse 
To  offer  what  you  might  refuse. 
If  you  can  patiently  behold 
A  people's  franchise  bought  and  sold, 
Or  see,  with  an  unruffled  brow, 
The  honest  yeoman,  cringe  and  bow, 
And  meekly  bear  the  foulest  wrong. 
In  vain  would  be  the  minstrel's  song! 
Ah,  if  you  would  your  birthright  sell, 
Then  you  are  on  the  brink  of  hell ! 
The  fires  that  swept  imperial  Eome 
Are  lighted  at  your  very  home! 
The  tinkling  rhyme  and  shallow  jest 
Can  only  reach  your  darkened  breast. 
A  bit  of  bluster,  fuss  and  brag 
About  the  fathers  and  the  flag, 
Mixed  up  with  Sunday  school  advice, 
Will  in  your  state  of  mind  suffice! 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  289 

VII. 

But  O,  this  must  not,  cannot  be ! 

For  even  yet  we  may  be  free ! 

The  pothouse  boss  and  lisping  dude 

May  now  control  the  multitude — 

But  by  and  by,  if  God  is  just, 

In  Him  we  may  in  safety  trust! 

Then  shall  resound  from  spire  to  spire 

The  music  of  the  poet's  lyre, 

And  once  again  from  sea  to  sea 

A  stricken  nation  will  be  free! 

VIII. 

But  my  medley  is  too  long, 

And  my  language  is  too  strong. 
I  must  therefore  say  a  few  words  in  apology ! 

For  you  must  not  sail  away 

Up  the  Narragansett  Bay 
Till  your  chaplain  has  repeated  the  doxology ! 

You  are  wicked!     So  was  Job. 

And  he  swore  and  tore  his  robe 
And  declared  himself  to  be  the  worst  of  sinners. 

And  in  folly  you  are  sunk ! 

But  the  sire  of  Ham  got  drunk, 
And  Bathsheba  gladdened  David's  glorious  dinners! 

You  are  vain,  and  love  to  brag 

Of  your  frogging  with  the  flag! 
But  not  more  so  than  your  comrades  of  the  First, 

For  they  boast  of  marching  through 

Pennsylvania  Avenue 
Without  halting  but  four  times  to  quench  their  thirst! 

You  are  mean  and  full  of  spite, 

And  you  are  not  over  bright, 
But  you  are  far  more  angelic  than  the  Journal. 

For  this  strikes  folks  who  are  down 

With  the  broom  of  granny  Brown 
And  imagines  that  its  crown  is  co-eternal! 

19 


290  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

So  you  see  that,  after  all, 

If  our  liberties  must  fall 
Unless  Debs  shall  desolate  these  lovely  quarters, 

And  with  all  the  other  shams 

Shall  appropriate  the  clams, 
Nothing  can  disturb  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Trotters! 

GOOD-BY. 

Till  now  my  going  is  deferred, 

Although  my  song  is  sung, 
Because  I  dread  to  speak  the  word 

That  trembles  on  my  tongue. 
It  is  the  word  which  long  ago, 

When  darkness  filled  the  sky, 
You  murmured  tenderly  and  low, 

"Good-by,  sweetheart!  good-by!" 
But  oft  have  you  refrained  to  speak 

That  word,  when  bending  o'er 
The  closing  eye,  and  pallid  cheek 

That  love  would  light  no  more, 
And  waited  till  the  muffled  roll 

Sent  forth  its  mournful  sigh, 
And  then  the  cry  burst  from  your  soul: 

"Good-by!  comrade,  good-by!" 
I  shrink  to  speak  that  which  entwines 

So  closely  round  the  heart 
Because  to  use  it  in  these  lines 

Implies  that  we  must  part. 
But  part  we  must!  and  so  the  word, 

Whate'er  it  may  imply, 
Must  from  my  trembling  lips  be  heard : 

Good-by,  my  friends,  good-by! 


JOSEPH  W.  GRANT. 

(In  uniform  as  Captain  of  Rhode  Island  State  Militia.) 


FACE  TO  FACE  WITH  TIME. 

BEAD  AT  THE    TWENTIETH    REUNION    OP   THE  TWELFTH  RHODH  ISLAND 
VOLUNTEERS,  AT  CRESCENT  PARK,  AUG.  4,  1903. 

BY  ERASTUS  RI9HARDSON. 


I  SAID  that  I  could  not  be  here, 

But  here  I  am !     It  may  appear 

To  those  who  in  their  early  youth 

Have  seen  a  soldier  stretch  the  truth, 

That  I  myself  had  learned  the  game 

While  limping  up  the  hill  of  fame. 

Had  I,  indeed,  like  most  of  you, 

A  hundred  thrilling  scenes  passed  through; 

Met  danger  in  a  thousand  shapes, 

And  squeaked  out  of  a  million  scrapes; 

Perhaps  at  smoke  talks  and  camp-fires 

I  might  have  been  the  king  of  liars! 

But  it  so  happened  that  I  saw 

But  little  of  the  cruel  war. 

And  when  the  cruel  war  was  over 

I  came  forth  from  a  bed  of  clover. 

True,  I  encountered,  now  and  then, 

The  doughnuts  of  that  best  of  men, 

Composed  of  hard-tack,  gudgeon  grease, 

And  such  like  things.     But  when  sweet  peace 

Dawned  on  the  earth,  he  made  amends, 

And  now  we  are  the  best  of  friends. 

Often  do  I  his  home  invade 

And  feast  on  ice  cream,  lemonade, 

And  doughnuts,  too — that  are  not  shams — 

And,  best  of  all — Pawtuxet  clains! 


292  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

And  now  from  Past  Commander  Ballou, 

Comrades  and  friends,  I  turn  to  you, 

And  looking  round  me  I  behold 

That  every  one  of  you  is  old ; 

To  all  the  boys  of  '63 

Old  age  has  come — excepting  me! 

All  now  upon  the  upper  shelf 

Are  sprawling  round — except  myself! 

Ah,  well  do  I  remember  when 

(We  used  to  call  him  "Pardon"  then) 

He  was  the  centre  of  a  gay 

And  lovely  throng — but  where  are  they? 

I  see  him  now  a  comrade  nudge, 

As  if  I  too — but  he's  no  judge; 

For  I  am  just  as  gay  and  hearty 

As  when  we  captured  Cincinnati, 

And  sweet  as  when — this  is  no  joke — 

We  made  our  toilets  at  "Camp  Smoke." 

I  have  alluded  to  the  liars 

Who  congregate  around  camp-fires, 

But  they  are  harmless.     All  are  pleased 

To  see  a  comrade  slightly  teased, 

And  watch  the  sparks  that  upward  fly 

Like  rockets  from  a  well  told  lie; 

Nor  do  I  shrink  from  the  attack 

Of  enemies  behind  my  back. 

But  of  all  beings  that  exist 

At  which  I  always  clench  my  fist, 

Is  that  whose  lies  of  gall  and  brass 

Fill  me  with  rage — a  looking  glass! 

O,  that  would  rise  some  Carrie  Nation 

To  smash  the  mirrors  of  creation! 

For  this  informs  me  that  I,  too, 

Am  quite  as  much  played  out  as  you. 

Therefore,  my  friends,  in  very  truth, 

I  came  here  to  renew  my  youth, 

Or  rather  that  I  might  defy 

Time  as  he  grimly  hastens  by. 

He  is  all  powerful,  I  know, 

And  when  his  scythe  swings  to  and  fro, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  293 

The  flowers,  so  beautiful  and  sweet, 
Breathe  out  their  lives  beneath  his  feet. 
But  there's  a  limit  to  his  power. 
He  may  cut  t'own  the  lovely  flower, 
But  yet  its  perfumes  still  may  be 
Preserved  throughout  eternity. 
Beneath  his  touch  our  hair  turns  gray; 
Our  strength  grows  less  from  day  to  day; 
But  he  is  powerless  to  control 
The  fires  that  burn  within  our  soul! 
Back  of  the  pale  and  wrinkled  cheek, 
Within  the  form  palsied  and  weak, 
Still  gleams,  and  will  forever  glow, 
The  flame  that  forty  years  ago 
Moved  men  to  march  from  crag  to  crag 
Beneath  our  country's  glorious  flag. 


But  I  must  not,  in  feeble  rhyme, 
Say  unkind  things  of  Father  Time! 
For,  after  all,  he  is  in  truth, 
The  blessing  of  old  age  and  youth, 
To  noble  lives  unto  the  end 
He  is  indeed  a  kindly  friend. 
What  being,  if  he  had  the  power, 
Would  wish  to  stay  the  flying  hour? 
In  joy  or  grief,  hope  or  despair, 
We  all  have  faith  that  Time  will  bear 
Us  onward  to  some  other  scene 
Of  skies  more  golden,  or  serene. 
Nor  do  we  trust  in  him  in  vain, 
Whate'er  our  pleasure,  or  our  pain; 
Whether  we  gaze,  with  yearnings  fond, 
Into  the  past,  or  the  beyond, 
When  our  delights  or  griefs  are  past, 
He  brings  to  us  sweet  peace  at  last! 
The  halo  round  the  golden  hair, 
The  cloud  above  the  vacant  chair, 
He  blends  and  places  in  the  sky, 
To  be^a  blessing  by  and  by, 


294  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Or  weaves  therefrom  a  veil  of  gold 

To  shield  our  hearts  as  we  grow  old. 

Ah,  not  until  old  age  appears 

Are  sanctified  our  smiles  and  tears! 

Then,  as  our  narrowing  band  grows  less, 

With  an  increasing  tenderness, 

We  fondly  greet  in  very  truth 

The  careworn  comrades  of  our  youth. 


Thus  Time  now  meets  us  face  to  face 
And  holds  us  in  a  fond  embrace. 
Therefore,  my  friends,  from  year  to  year, 
It  is  our  duty  to  be  here, 
And  come  in  spite  of  wind  or  weather, 
For  Time  has  bound  us  close  together, 
And,  like  an  angel  from  above, 
Has  turned  our  comradeship  to  love. 
Nay,  more:     We  marched  long  years  ago 
Towards  a  brave  and  bitter  foe, 
But  as  we  march  towards  the  end 
That  foeman  has  become  a  friend. 
The  boys  in  blue  and  boys  in  grey 
Are  marching  side  by  side  to-day, 
And  all  are  led  by  Father  Time 
Towards  a  camping  ground  sublime. 


A  PAPER  SAID  TO  HAVE  BEEN  FOUND  IN  THE  RUINS 

OF  A  ONCE  PROUD  AND  MAGNIFICENT  REPUBLIC. 

READ  AT  WOONSOCKET,  R.  I.,  ON  MEMORIAL  DAY,  1886. 

BY  ERASTUS  RICHARDSON. 


THIS  was  a  favored  land.     Its  founders,  filled 
With  grand  impulses,  and  whose  bosoms  thrilled 
With  deep  and  restless  longings  to  be  free, 
Had  sought  its  shores  beyond  a  pathless  sea, 
And  built  their  humble  homes  on  sterile  soil. 
Slowly  the  fields  repaid  their  ceaseless  toil, 
But  still  they  labored  on — for  they  were  strong 
In  acts  as  well  as  words — until,  ere  long, 
The  wilderness,  beneath  their  sturdy  blows 
Began  to  bud  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

Then  others  came,  impelled  by  like  desires; 
And  noble  children,  worthy  of  their  sires, 
Were  born;  and  they  increased  and  multiplied. 
And  soon  the  tidings  went  forth  far  and  wide: 
That  Heaven  had  furnished  and  divinely  blest 
A  refuge  for  the  poor  and  the  oppressed ; 
A  place  where  men  as  equals  met;  a  place 
Where  titles  were  unknown;  where  every  race 
And  kindred  might  together  meet  and  claim 
A  common  brotherhood ;  where  wealth  and  fame 
Were  worthily  bestowed;  where  honest  toil 
Received  its  due  reward;  and  on  whose  soil 
The  tree  of  Liberty  had  taken  root 
And  yielded  unto  all  its  sweetest  fruit. 


296 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Then,  flocking  to  the  shore  from  every  land, 
Came  countless  thousands.     Cities,  vast  and  grand, 
And  vieing  in  magnificence  with  those 
That  were  the  growth  of  centuries,  arose, 
As  if  by  magic,  where  but  yesterday 
The  wild  beast  slept,  or  hunted  for  its  prey : 
From  hill  to  hill  the  hum  of  industry 
And  cheerful  toil  went  forth;  and  every  sea 
Was  whitened  by  its  sails.     Nor  this  alone; 
But  every  tyrant  trembled  on  his  throne, 
And  every  patriot  hailed  with  joy  and  pride 
A  people  who  the  power  of  kings  defied ! 

Ah,  yes,  it  was  a  favored  land!     And  why? 
Whence  was  its  glorious  supremacy 
O'er  all  the  nations  of  the  earth?    Had  fate, 
Blind  and  capricious,  nursed  the  infant  state 
Until  it  burst  its  swaddling  clothes  ?    Ah,  no ! 
Its  youth  was  full  of  grief,  and  sounds  of  woe 
And  lamentation  ceased  not,  till,  at  length, 
It  stood  before  the  world  in  all  its  strength. 

Twice  from  the  mother-land  fierce  foemen  came; 
And  once  a  cruel  war  kindled  a  flame 
Of  hate  and  passion  in  the  souls  of  men, 
And  for  a  time  it  seemed  that  once  again 
The  lamp  of  Freedom  would  withhold  its  light, 
And  all  would  roll  back  into  deepest  Night. 
But  the  stern  virtues,  which  the  sires  instilled 
Into  their  children's  veins,  yet  lived,  and  thrilled 
The  very  weakest  with  unwonted  zeal; 
Heroes  came  forth  with  hearts  and  nerves  of  steel 
From  every  cottage — and,  at  length,  once  more, 
The  din  of  battle  ceased  from  shore  to  shore. 
No  tongue  can  tell  the  wondrous  joy  that  burned 
In  every  breast,  when  to  their  homes  returned 
The  war-worn  heroes;  never  yet  has  pen 
Described  the  glorious  hopefulness,  which  then 
Prevailed  throughout  a  land  redeemed  and  free; 
And  never  will  the  songs  of  jubilee, 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  297 

Which  then  rang  out  in  one  grand  hymn  of  praise, 
Sound  as  they  did  in  those  triumphant  days! 

But  none  forgot  the  cost,,  the  dreadful  cost 
Of  their  redemption !     Like  a  blighting  frost 
That  on  autumnal  nights  marks  on  the  plain 
The  blackened  pathway  of  its  icy  train, 
Grim  War  had  swept  across  the  smiling  land 
And  left  the  shadow  of  its  cruel  hand. 
And  while  that  shadow,  like  a  funeral  pall 
Hung  o'er  the  cottage  and  the  marble  hall ; 
While  lived  a  mother,  whose  fond  bosom  yearned 
For  him  who  left  her  arms  and  ne'er  returned; 
Till  every  actor  in  that  scene  of  gloom 
Had  passed  beyond  the  portals  of  the  tomb- 
Yearly  the  comrades  marched  with  mournful  tread 
To  sprinkle  flowers  above  their  honored  dead. 
And  gaze,  while  weeping  o'er  the  sacred  dust, 
Into  the  future  with  unfaltering  trust. 

At  last,  war's  gloomy  shade  became  effaced, 
And  they  who  met  as  foes,  as  friends  embraced. 
The  blighting  fires  of  hate  began  to  cease. 
And  when  the  chieftain,  who  had  conquered  peace, 
Was  by  a  stricken  nation  lain  to  rest, 
A  sweet  forgetfulness  filled  every  breast, 
And  round  his  tomb  the  friend  and  foeman  stood. 
Bound  by  the  warmest  ties  of  brotherhood. 

Ah,  this  was  then  a  favored  land  indeed! 
Within  its  peaceful  borders,  every  need 
Of  a  free  people  seemed  to  be  assured ; 
Its  vast  and  growing  industries  allured 
Unto  its  shores  the  learned  and  the  skilled 
Of  every  clime;  its  granaries  were  filled 
To  overflowing;  and  from  hour  to  hour 
It  grew  in  wealth,  prosperity  and  power. 
Nor  were  its  victories  confined  alone 
To  warlike  scenes,  but  far  more  brightly  shone 
Its  glory  in  the  peaceful  realm  of  thought. 
Wisely  and  well,  its  people  had  been  taught 


298  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

To  cherish  learning,  and  to  dedicate 
Temples  thereto  throughout  their  infant  state. 
And  they  had  been  rewarded.     Ne'er  before 
So  widely  as  to  them,  had  Nature's  door 
Been  drawn  aside!     'Tis  needless  to  rehearse 
Their  wond'rous  works! — In  marble  and  in  verse 
Will  be  preserved  their  memory  sublime 
To  the  remotest  boundaries  of  time! 

O,  thrice  and  four  times  blessed  are  they,  who  fell 
Ere  yet  rang  out  their  country's  funeral  knell ! 
Who  lived  not  to  behold  a  tyrant's  hand 
Despoil  and  desecrate  their  fatherland ! 

O  ye,  who  in  some  future  age  may  read 
The  story  of  my  country's  ruin,  heed 
The  warnings  which  from  out  her  ashes  rise 
In  sad  and  mounrful  wailings,  to  the  skies! 
If  Heaven  has  blessed  you  with  a  bounteous  store, 
Act  not,  as  if  to  you  alone  the  door 
Of  Paradise  must  on  its  hinges  swing! 
Touch  not  the  toiler,  either  with  the  sting 
Of  condescension,  or  the  cruel  rod 
Of  tyranny !     But  bend  before  your  God 
In  deep  humility  and  thankfulness! — 
Else,  they,  to  whom  the  fates  have  granted  less, 
Goaded  to  madness,  will  rise  up  and  smite 
You  in  their  frenzied  rage!     Then,  with  delight 
The  fiends  of  hell  will  shriek,  and  over  all, 
Angels  will  sadly  spread  the  funeral  pall ! 

And,  O  ye  toilers,  if  you  are  not  slaves, 
And  o'er  your  homes  the  flag  of  freedom  waves, 
Think  of  your  loved  ones  and  your  sainted  sires, 
Ere  through  the  land  you  light  the  awful  fires 
Of  civil  war!     Be  patient,  and  endure 
Your  present  ills,  rather  than  seek  to  cure 
Them  by  invoking  from  the  powers  below 
That  which  will  sink  you  in  the  deepest  woe! 
Endure  the  wrongs  of  selfishness  and  greed; 
The  bitter  pangs  of  poverty  and  need ; 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  299 

Aye,  even  death,  itself! — rather  than  fling 

Away  your  only  hope  and  refuge!     Cling 

To  that  which  can  alone  redeem  and  save 

You  from  a  fate  more  cruel  than  the  grave! 

And  with  your  deepest  indignation,  spurn. 

Those  who,  in  Freedom's  name,  would  rob  and  burn 

Her  granaries,  and  overwhelm  at  last 

Your  fatherland  with  desolation  vast! 

******* 

Blessed  be  the  state  where  rich  and  poor  abide 
By  mutual  hopes  and  sympathies  allied; 
Where  capital  and  labor,  hand  in  hand, 
Work  to  one  end  to  bless  the  smiling  land ; 
Where  wealth  is  tainted  not  by  crime  or  fraud, 
And  honest  toil  receives  its  due  reward! 

And  blessed  are  they,  who  plant  and  prune  their  vines 
Where  Freedom's  heavenly  flame  so  brightly  shines! 
For  they,  when  having  marched  with  mournful  tread 
To  sprinkle  flowers  above  their  honored  dead, 
Shall  gaze,  while  weeping  o'er  the  sacred  dust, 
Into  the  future  with  unfaltering  trust! 


PART   FIFTH 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES. 


COLONEL   GEORGE   HUNTINGTON    BROWNE. 

The  following  memoranda  was  kindly  furnished  me  by  Mr.  Keyes  D.  Browne, 
a  son  of  Colonel  Browne.] 

COL.  GEORGE  HUNTINGTON  BROWNE  was  born  in  Glocester,  R.  I., 
Jan.  6,  1818.  On  his  father's  side  he  is  descended  from  the  Rev. 
Chad  Browne;  on  his  mother's  side  from  Judge  Samuel  Hunting- 
ton,  of  Connecticut,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  In 
dependence;  also  from  the  Bowditch  family  of  Massachusetts, 
his  mother's  maiden  name  being  Bowdish.  His  father  died  when 
he  was  but  eight  years  of  age.  Commenced  teaching  school  when 
he  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  teaching  at  different  periods  of 
time,  until  he  graduated  from  college.  Fitted  for  college  at  the 
Classical  Academies  of  Monson  and  Bolton,  Mass.  Entered 
Brown  University  in  1836,  and  while  there  took  a  high  rank  in 
mathematics,  graduating  in  1840.  This  graduating  class  had 
many  members  who  subsequently  made  a  "name."  Immediately 
upon  graduation,  he  commenced  the  study  of  the  law  in  the  office 
of  Hon.  Samuel  Y.  Atwell,  of  Chepachet,  R.  I.,  and  was  subse 
quently  admitted  to  the  Rhode  Island  Bar,  and  practiced  his  pro 
fession  in  his  native  state  until  his  demise.  Represented,  at  dif 
ferent  times,  the  town  of  Glocester  in  the  Senate  and  the  House 
of  Rhode  Island,  also  served  as  chairman  of  the  school  board, 
and  secretary  of  the  Manton  Library  Association  of  Glocester. 
He  served  for  eight  years  as  United  States  district  attorney  for 
the  district  of  Rhode  Island,  during  the  administrations  of  Presi 
dents  Pierce  and  Buchanan,  and  was  one  of  the  delegates  from 
Rhode  Island  to  the  noted  Peace  Convention  which  met  just  pre 
vious  to  the  Civil  War.  Was  elected  and  commissioned  chief 
justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Rhode  Island,  but  declined  this 
great  honor.  For  thirty  years  he  was  a  law  partner  of  the  late 
Col.  Nicholas  Van  Slyck,  who  was  solicitor  for  the  city  of  Provi 
dence  for  nearly  twenty  years.  His  ancestors  on  both  his  father's 
and  mother's  side  served  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  Was  a 
member  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  Bar  Association, 


304  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

and  Squantum  Club.  Was  elected  to  Congress  from  the  West 
ern  district  of  Rhode  Island  at  the  spring  election  of  1861. 
While  in  Congress  was  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Privileges 
of  Election,  also  served  on  other  committees,  and  while  in  Wash 
ington  was  tendered  the  position  of  Governor  of  the  territory  of 
Arizona,  but  declined  same. 

Colonel  Browne  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss 
Danforth,  of  WTilliamstown,  Mass.,  daughter  of  Hon.  Keyes  Dan- 
forth,  a  member  of  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts.  His 
first  wife  died  in  1859.  In  1864  he  married  a  Mrs.  Lidgerwood, 
daughter  of  Judge  Charles  M.  Baker,  of  Lake  Geneva,  Wis.  She 
survived  him.  He  was  survived  also  by  two  of  his  first  wife's 
children,  viz. :  Keyes  D.  Browne,  of  Ogden  City,  Utah,  and  Mrs. 
J.  Maus  Schermerhorn,  of  New  York. 

In  politics  he  was  always  a  Democrat.  The  last  few  years  of 
his  life  he  remained  the  greater  portion  of  the  year  in  the  city  of 
Providence,  and  attended  the  Unitarian  Church  at  the  corner  of 
Benevolent  and  Benefit  Streets,  while  Drs.  Staples  and  Slicer 
were  pastors.  His  funeral  was  held  from  this  church,  Drs.  Greer 
and  Slicer  officiating,  his  regiment  marching  at  the  head  of  the 
cortege,  from  the  church  to  Swan  Point  Cemetery. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  JAMES  SHAW,  JR. 

LIEUT.-COL.  JAMES  SHAW,  JR.,  son  of  Gen.  James  and  Eliza 
Field  (Godfrey)  Shaw,  was  born  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  Sept.  25, 
1830.  His  ancestors  on  his  father's  side  came  from  Scotland. 
His  grandfather,  Capt.  James  Shaw,  was  a  well-known  sea  cap 
tain,  and  commanded  vessels  trading  with  the  East  Indies.  On 
the  maternal  side  he  is  descended  from  the  early  settlers  of  Rhode 
Island,  among  his  ancestors  being  Roger  Williams  and  six  of 
"the  twelve  beloved  friends  and  neighbors"  with  whom  he  divided 
the  land  bought  of  Canonicus  and  Miantinomi,  viz. :  Stukeley 
Westcott,  William  Arnold,  John  Greene,  William  Harris,  William 
Carpenter  and  Richard  Waterman.  General  Shaw's  great  grand 
father  on  his  mother's  side  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier.  His 
father  commanded  the  First  Light  Infantry  from  1830  to  1835, 
and  ordered  the  firing  on  the  mob  in  1831,  the  first  instance  in 
the  country  where  a  mob  had  been  suppressed  by  the  militia;  was 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  305 

active  on  the  side  of  "law  and  order"  during  the  "Dorr  War," 
and  was  afterwards  commander  of  the  First  Brigade  Rhode  Is 
land  Militia. 

Gen.  James  Shaw,  Jr.,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of 
Providence,  graduating  from  the  High  School  in  1846.  He  was 
an  active  member  of  the  First  Light  Infantry  from  1850  to  1857. 
At  the  commencement  of  the  Rebellion,  being  unable  to  go  with 
the  First  Regiment,  he  suggested  to  the  citizens  of  the  Sixth 
Ward  the  formation  of  ward  companies  for  the  purpose  of  learn 
ing  to  drill.  He  was  made  first  lieutenant  and  then  captain  of 
the  Sixth  Ward  Guards.  This  example  was  followed  by  every 
ward  in  the  city  and  every  town  in  the  State. 

Owing  to  Captain  Shaw's  exertions  a  regiment  was  formed 
from  these  companies  and  he  was  elected  colonel.  In  the  Spring 
of  1862  the  following  dispatch  was  received  from  the  Secretary 
of  War:  "Enemy  advancing  on  Washington;  send  every  avail 
able  man  immediately,"  and  Colonel  Shaw  was  called  on  by  the 
governor  to  organize  the  Tenth  Rhode  Island  Volunteers.  In 
thirty  hours  after  the  call  a  regiment  was  formed,  armed,  clothed, 
equipped,  and  en  route  for  Washington.  Waiving  the  right  to 
the  command,  Colonel  Shaw  asked  for  one  who  had  received  a 
military  education  for  colonel,  and  took  the  lieutenant-colonelcy 
May  26,  1862;  was  promoted  to  colonel  August  6th  of  the  same 
year,  and  served  in  the  defences  of  Washington.  At  the  end  of 
three  months  the  command  was  mustered  out.  He  re-entered 
the  service  Dec.  31,  1862,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Twelfth 
Rhode  Island  Volunteers,  and  served  with  the  Ninth  Army  Corps 
before  Fredericksburg,  Newport  News,  and  in  Kentucky. 

When  the  Twelfth  Regiment  was  mustered  out  he  appeared 
before  "Casey's  Board,"  and  was  the  fifth  out  of  seven  hundred 
examined  to  receive  the  grade  of  colonel,  and  was  appointed  Oct. 
27,  1863,  to  the  command  of  the  Seventh  United  States  Colored 
Troops.  He  joined  the  regiment  Nov.  12,  1863,  in  Maryland; 
was  post  commander  at  Jacksonville,  Fla. ;  commanded  brigade 
in  the  expedition  to  Cedar  Creek  and  Camp  Melton ;  participated 
in  the  battle  on  John's  Island;  was  commended  for  wisdom  and 
bravery  in  action ;  returned  to  Virginia  and  moved  on  Richmond ; 
he  commanded  First  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Tenth  Army  Corps, 
Aug.  13  to  21,  Aug.  25  to  Sept.  25,  and  Oct.  25  to  Dec.  4,  1864 ; 

20 


306  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

commanded  First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Twenty-fifth  Army 
Corps,  from  its  formation,  Dec.  4,  1864,  until  it  was  disbanded  in 
1866.  Commanded  Second  Division,  Twenty-fifth  Army  Corps, 
Feb.  21  to  March  13,  1865,  and  participated  in  the  capture  of 
Petersburg  and  the  triumph  at  Appomattox.  He  commanded 
the  sub-district  of  Victoria  and  Central  District  of  Texas  from 
Feb.  21  to  May  9,  1866,  and  was  mustered  out  with  his  regiment 
Nov.  16,  1866,  bearing  on  his  flag,  by  authority,  the  names  of  the 
battles  of  Cedar  Creek,  Baldwin,  Kingsland  Road,  Fuzzel's  Mills, 
White  Point,  John's  Island,  Fort  Gilmer,  Darbytown  Road, 
Armstrong's  Mills,  Petersburg,  and  Appomattox  Court  House. 

General  Shaw  was  brevetted  brigadier-general  for  "meritorious 
services  during  the  war,"  to  date  from  March  13,  1865.  The 
record  of  this  regiment  of  colored  troops  forms  a  valuable  and 
brilliant  page  in  the  history  of  the  war. 

In  August,  1870,  General  Shaw  was  appointed  collector  of  cus 
toms  of  the  port  of  Providence,  R.  I,,  and  filled  the  office  until 
Feb.  1,  1879.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  National  Encamp 
ment  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  from  its  organization, 
and  was  chairman  of  the  committee  that  prepared  the  rules,  reg 
ulations,  and  ritual  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Encampment  at 
Cincinnati  in  1869.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Com- 
mandery  of  the  Military  Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion. 

General  Shaw  married,  Sept.  22,  1853,  Elizabeth  Williams, 
daughter  of  James  and  Amanda  (Potter)  Fisher,  of  Pawtuxet, 
R.  I.  They  have  had  three  children, — James,  Walter  Arnold 
(died  May  3,  1873),  and  Howard  Armington  (died  Dec.  22, 
1894). 


MAJOR  CYRUS  G.  DYER. 

MAJOR  CYRUS  G.  DYER  was  born  in  Providence,  R,  I.,  and  was 
graduated  from  the  Providence  High  School  in  the  class  of  1846 ; 
was  commissioned  first  lieutenant  and  quartermaster  First  Rhode 
Island  Detached  Militia,  April  18,  1861;  captain  Company  A, 
Second  Rhode  Island  Infantry,  June  1,  1861;  major  Twelfth 
Rhode  Island  Infantry,  Oct.  10, 1862;  mustered  out  July  29,  1863; 
later  was  captain  Twenty-sixth  United  States  Colored  Troops. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  307 

SURGEON  BENONI  CARPENTER. 

BENONI  CARPENTER,  M.  D.,  was  born  in  Rehobeth,  Mass.,  March 
12,  1805,  and  was  the  son  of  Caleb  and  Hannah  (George)  Car 
penter.  He  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town  in  his 
youth  and  pursued  his  preparatory  studies  for  Brown  University 
under  the  tuition  of  Rev.  Thomas  Vernon,  then  a  minister  in  Re- 
hoboth.  He  entered  that  institution  in  the  class  of  1829.  He 
also  attended  the  lectures  of  the  Jefferson  Medical  College  in 
Philadelphia,  where  he  received  his  diploma  in  March,  1832. 
After  leaving  college  he  immediately  commenced  the  study  of 
medicine  in  Providence,  with  Dr.  Usher  Parsons.  He  soon 
afterwards  settled  in  Seekonk,  Mass.,  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession,  and  remained  there  till  1837,  when  he  removed  to 
Pawtucket,  which  continued  to  be  his  residence  to  the  end  of  his 
life.  He  was  a  successful  practitioner,  and  both  in  Massachu 
setts  and  Rhode  Island  was  an  active  and  progressive  member 
of  the  Medical  Society.  He  was  also  an  earnest  champion  of 
temperance  and  of  popular  education. 

Dr.  Carpenter  entered  the  service  of  his  country  in  the  Civil 
War  as  surgeon  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Infantry,  and 
served  with  it  during  its  term  of  service  until  its  final  muster 
out.  His  son,  Frank  H.  Carpenter,  was  hospital  steward  in  this 
regiment.  He  again  entered  the  service  as  surgeon  of  the  Four 
teenth  Rhode  Island  Heavy  Artillery  (Colored).  He  made  his 
headquarters  with  the  Third  Battalion  of  that  regiment,  at  Camp 
Parapet,  La.  Here,  in  addition  to  the  duties  of  surgeon  of  the 
post,  he  was  appointed  acting  medical  director  and  inspector  of 
the  District  of  Carrolton  in  Louisiana.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Viall 
pays  this  just  tribute  to  Dr.  Carpenter:  "To  Dr.  Benoni  Car 
penter,  surgeon  of  the  regiment,  great  credit  was  due  for  his  skill 
ful  and  efficient  efforts  for  the  care  of  the  sick."  He  was  mus 
tered  out  with  his  regiment  Oct.  2,  1865. 

After  the  war  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession  in 
Pawtucket,  R.  I.  He  was  for  several  years  a  member  of  the 
school  committee  of  the  old  town  of  Pawtucket,  and  served  his 
constituency  in  both  branches  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode 
Island.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  State  Inspectors 
from  1869  to  1877. 


308  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

Dr.  Carpenter  was  married  in  June,  1833,  to  Miss  Adelaide 
Everett,  of  Wrentham,  Mass.  By  a  mysterious  dispensation  of 
Providence  he  and  his  wife  died  within  a  few  days  of  each  other. 
His  wife  after  a  long  illness  died  Nov.  17,  1877.  Her  funeral  was 
to  have  taken  place  on  the  Tuesday  following.  On  the  morning  of 
that  day  Dr.  Carpenter  appeared  to  be  in  his  usual  health,  but 
day  Dr.  Carpenter  appeared  to  be  in  his  usual  health,  but  shortly 
shortly  after  breakfast  he  was  seized  with  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  and, 
after  breakfast  he  was  seized  with  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  and,  despite 
despite  the  best  of  medical  attendance,  remained  in  an  unconscious 
state  until  the  next  morning  (November  22d),  when  he  died.  The 
funeral  of  his  wife  was  postponed  in  consequence  of  his  sudden 
demise,  and  his  six  children — four  sons  and  two  daughters — 
who  were  called  together  for  the  first  time  in  twelve  years  by 
the  death  of  their  mother,  followed  a  few  days  later  both  of  their 
parents  to  the  grave  at  the  same  time,  the  double  funeral  oc 
curring  at  the  Congregational  Church  in  Pawtucket,  Nov.  23, 
1877. 


REV.  SAMUEL  WHEELER  FIELD. 

CHAPLAIN  SAMUEL  WHEELER  FIELD,  the  son  of  David  and 
Phebe  Field,  was  born  in  North  Yarmouth,  Maine,  April  28,  1813. 

He  was  graduated  from  Colby  University  and  Newton  Theo 
logical  Institution. 

He  married  Aug.  26,  1840,  Elizabeth  Earl  Horton,  of  Boston. 

He  served  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Hallowell,  Maine ; 
Methuen,  Mass.,  and  Providence,  R.  I. 

He  volunteered  as  chaplain  of  the  Twelfth  Rhode  Island  Vol 
unteers  Oct.  15,  1862,  and  served  in  Virginia  and  Kentucky  and 
was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  July  29,  1863. 

He  died  Oct.  28,  1887. 


PART  SIXTH 


ROSTER 


OF  THE 


TWELFTH  REGIMENT  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 


iJOHN    TURNER. 


HENRY  KING. 


FIELD   AND  STAFF. 

Colonel. 
GEORGE    H.    BROWNE. 

Lieutenant-Colonel. 
JAMES  SHAW,  JB. 

Major. 
CYRUS  G.  DYER. 


Adjutants. 

MATTHEW  N.  CHAPPELL. 

Quartermaster. 
JOHN  L.  CLARKE. 

Surgeon. 
BENONI  CARPENTER. 

Assistant  Surgeons. 

SAMUEL  M.  FLETCHER. 

Chaplain. 
SAMUEL  W.  FIELD. 


OSCAR  LAPHAM. 


PROSPER  K.  HUTCHINSON. 


NOTE.  — This  Roster  is  a  transcript  from  the  Revised  Edition  of  the  Adjutant-General's 
Report  for  1865. 


312 


HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


Captains. 


Edward  S.  Cheney,   (Co.  A.) 
Christopher  H.  Alexandier,  (Co.  A.) 
James  M.  Longstreet,   (Co.  B.) 
James  H.  Allen,  (Co.  C.) 
George  C.  Almy,   (Co.  D.) 
John  P.  Abbott,   (Co.  D.) 


John  J.  Phillips,    (Co.  E.) 
William  E.  Hubbard,    (Co.  F.) 
William  C.  Rogers,  (Co.  G.) 
Oliver  H.  Perry,   (Co.  H.) 
George  A.  Spink,   (Co.  I.) 
Oscar  Lapham,    (Co.  K.) 


First  Lieutenants. 


Richard  A.  Briggs,   (Co.  A.) 
John  Sanford  Roberts,   (Co.  A.) 
Christopher  H.  Alexander*,  (Co.  A.) 
Edward  F.  Bacon,   (Co.  A.) 
Oscar  Lapham,    (Co.  B.) 
James  M.  Pendleton,   (Co.  B.) 
Albert  W.  Delanah,   (Co.  B.) 
Jules  Macheret,    (Co.  C.) 
George   F.   Bicknell,    (Co.  C.) 
George  Bucklin,    (Co.  C.) 
William  H.  King,   (Co.  D.) 
George  H.  Taber,   (Co.  D.) 
George  F.  Bicknell,   (Co.  E.) 


Christopher  H.  Alexander,  (Co.  E.) 
Edward  F.  Bacon,   (Co.  E.) 
Luther  Cole,  Jr.,    (Co.  E.) 
George  F.  Lawton,    (Co.  F.) 
William  H.  King,   (Co.  F.) 
William  C.  Rogers,  Co.  G.) 
Matthew  N.  Chappell,   (Co.  G.) 
James  A.  Bowen,   (Co.  G.) 
Arnold  F.  Salisbury,    (Co.  H.) 
Stephen   M.   Hopkins,    (Co.   I.) 
William   H.   King,    (Co.    I.) 
Munson  H.  Najac,   (Co.  I.) 
Edmund  W.  Fales,    (Co.  K.) 


Second  Lieutenants. 


John  Sanford  Roberts,   (Co.  A.) 
Edward  F.  Bacon,   (Co.  A.) 
George  Bucklin,   (Co.  A.) 
Joseph  C.  Whiting,  Jr.,   (Co.  A.) 
Albert  W.  Delanah,    (Co.  B.) 
Fenner  H.  Peckham,  Jr.,  (Co.  B.) 
Charles  M.  Winchester,    (Co.  B.) 
Matthew  N.  Chappell,   (Co.  C.) 
John  P.  Abbott,  (Co.  C.) 
Daniel  R.  Ballou,   (Co.  C.) 
Beriah  G.  Browning,   (Co.  C.) 
George  H.  Taber,  (Co.  D.) 
Luther  Cole,  Jr.,   (Co.  E.) 
Henry  M.  Tillinghast,   (Co.  D.) 
Christopher  H..  Alexander^  (Co.  E.) 


Edward  V.  Westcott,  (Co.  E.) 
George  Bucklin,   (Co.  F.) 
Francisco  M.  Ballou,   (Co.  F.) 
Edward  P.  Butts,    (Co.  G.) 
Daniel  R.  Ballou,    (Co.  G.) 
Joseph  Pollard,  (Co.  G.) 
Fenner  H.  Peckham,  Jr.,  (Co.  G.) 
James  A.  Bowen,   (Co.  H.) 
George  Bucklin,   (Co.  H.) 
James  A.  Williams,   (Co.  H.) 
Munson  H.  Najac,  (Co.  I.) 
Fenner  H.  Peckham,  Jr.,  (Co.  I.) 
John  H.  Weaver,   (Co.  I.) 
James  M.  Pendleton,    (Co.  K.) 
Charles  H.  Potter,    (Co.  K.) 


CAPT.  WILLIAM  E.  HUBBAKD. 
(From  a  recent  picture.) 


TWELFTH  REGIMENT  RHODE  ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 


ABBOTT,  JOHN  P.,  Capt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.  Maj.  Mustered 
out  as  Sgt.  Maj.  and  mustered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  Nov.  4,  1862;  Nov. 
11,  1862,  assigned  as  2d  Lt.  to  Co.  C.  Mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mus 
tered  in  as  Capt.  to  date  Dec.  22,  1862.  Assigned  to  Co.  D.;  June  16, 
1863,  resigned. 

ACHISON,  GEORGE,  JR.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.    Originally  served  as  Sgt.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
ACHISON,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  A.;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
ACHISON,  WILLIAM,  Corp.  Co.  A.;  Res.,  Bast  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Jan.  26,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May  4,  1863,  detached  for  service 
in  Invalid  Corps,  Finley  Hospital,  Washington,  and  so  borne  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ADAMS,  JAMES  B.,  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nich- 
olasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

ADAMS,  JOSEPH  A.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
ALBERT,  CHARLES  H.,  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  April 
17,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville, 
Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
ALBRO,  BENJAMIN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Exeter,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec. 
29,  1862,  until  Feb.  11,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at 
Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

ALBRO,  GEORGE  T.,  Priv.  Co.  A;    Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;   Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
ALDRICH,  JOSEPH  W.,  Drummer  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALDRICH,  MOSES  B.,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;   Aug.  25,  1862, 

enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


314  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

ALEXANDER,  CHRISTOPHER  H.,  Capt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
13,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commis 
sioned  2d  Lt.  Co.  E.  Mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  1st 
Lt.  to  date  Dec.  24,  1862;  Feb.  15,  1863,  transferred  to  Co.  A  as  1st  Lt. 
in  command  of  Co.;  April  17,  1863,  commissioned  Capt.  and  mustered 
in  April  29,  1863.  Borne  on  special  duty  on  court-martial  from  June 
29,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALLEN,  AMBROSE  L.,  Sergt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Bast  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
Feb.  7,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALLEN,  BENAGEH  S.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALLEN,  GEORGE  H.,  Corp.  Co.  F.;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALLEN,  JAMES  H.,  Capt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  13,  1862,  commissioned  Capt. 
Borne  on  special  duty  as  Provost  Marshal  at  Jamestown  from  June 
23,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ALMY,  GEORGE  C.,  Capt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  2,  1863,  discharged  on  tender 
of  resignation. 

AMBRUSTER,  ADOLPHUS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  L;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ANDERSON,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  L;  Oct.  1,  1863, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ANDERSON,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  L;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ANDERSON,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ANDREWS,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863.  Rejoined  the  Reg't;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ANDREWS,  JEREMIAH,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ANDREWS,  JOHN  F.,  Musician  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ANDREWS,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 

ANGELL,  ALFRED,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;    Oct.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
'ANTHONY,  GEORGE  R.,  Priv.  Co.   D;   Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;    Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ARDEAN,   THOMAS.     See  Thomas  Arden. 

ARDEAN,  WILLIAM.     See  William  Arden. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  315 

ARDEN,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ARDEN,  WILLIAM.  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  1;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ARNETT,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  II.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ARNOLD,  BARTON,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  left  at  Camp  Casey, 
near  Fairfax  Seminary,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  from  that  time  until 
March  9,  1863,  when  he  returned  from  hospital  and  reported  for  duty; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ARNOLD,  GEORGE  W.,  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  8,  1862,  died  of  fever  at  Fair 
fax  Seminary. 

ARNOLD,  JAMES  H.,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp. 
Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863, 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ARNOLD,  LEWIS  G.  JR.,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  eye  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  General  Hospital,  Washing 
ton,  D.  C.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  April  21,  1863,  when  he  re 
turned  from  hospital;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ARNOLD,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg;  Feb.  7, 
1863,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ASHTON,  STEPHEN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  12,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ATWOOD,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

AUSTIN,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for 
disability  at  General  Hospital. 

AUSTIN,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  killed  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg. 

AUSTIN,  JOSEPH  O.,  Priv.  Co.  F.;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  teamster  from  Nov.  2, 
1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

AUSTIN,  STEPHEN  O.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
June  4,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


316  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

BABCOCK,  FRANCIS  E.  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  on  ammunition  train. 
Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863, 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BABCOCK,  SAMUEL  1st  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  27,  1863,  died  of  typhoid  fever 
at  Reg't'l  Hospital,  Newport  News,  Va. 

BABSON,  EEASTUS  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  1,  1862,  detailed  as  Reg't'l 
Armorer  and  so  borne  until  May  28,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  Co.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BACHELLEE,  HENRY  C.,  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  wounded  in  action  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  from  Dec.  15,  1862,  until  March  14,  1863,  when  he 
was  discharged  for  disability  from  Lovell  General  Hospital,  Ports 
mouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

BACON,  EDWABD  F.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Sgt. 
Mustered  out  as  1st  Sgt.  and  mustered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  Dec.  24, 
1862.  In  command  of  Co.  from  Jan.  17,  1863,  until  Feb.  15,  1863. 
Mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  March  2, 
1863;  March  7,  1863,  assigned  to  Co.  E;  April  26,  1863,  transferred  to 
Co.  A  as  1st  Lt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BAGGETT,  MARTIN,  Musician  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  on  furlough  for 
thirty  days  from  March  15,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BAGNALL,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BAILEY,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BAILEY,  THOMAS  W.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  5,  1863,  died  in  Reg't'l 
Hospital  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

BAILEY,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BAKER,  CHARLES  K.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

BAKER,  JAMES  M.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BALAAM,  JAMES,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BALL,  AUGUSTUS,  Sgt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1862,  mustered  out. 

BALL,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at  Wash 
ington,  D.  C.,  from  Feb.  8,  1863,  until  April  4,  1863,  when  he  was  dis 
charged  for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


LIEUT.  FRANCISCO  M.  BALLOIT. 
(From  a  recent  pictuiv. ; 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  317 

BALL,  NOAH,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  26,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BALL,  THEODOBE  B.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  1.;  Oct.  7,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  cheek 
at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  sent  to  General  Hospital; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BALL,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  1.;  Sept.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  sent  to  General  Hos 
pital  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  19, 
1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

BALLOU,  ARNOLD  B.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  March  18,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for 
disability. 

BALLOU,  DANIEL  R.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.  Co.  K; 
Nov.  9,  1862,  promoted  Sgt.  Maj.  Mustered  out  as  Sgt.  Maj.  and  mus 
tered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  Nov.  20,  1862;  Nov.  29,  1862,  assigned  to  Co. 
G;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent 
to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Feb.,  1863,  when  he  returned 
to  Co.;  Dec.  30,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  C  as  2d  Lt.;  April  25,  1863, 
resigned. 

BALLOU,  FRANCISCO  M.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  18*62, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.; 
Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt.  Mustered  out  as  1st  Sgt.,  and  mus 
tered  in  as  2d  Lt.  April  30,  1863,  to  date  March  7,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BARBAGE,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as  pro 
vost  guard  from  Nov.  5,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

BARBER,  MATTHEW  S.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Richmond,  R.  I.;  Sept.  14,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARBER,  WILLIAM  E.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARDEN,  NEWELL  S.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARLOW,  WILLIAM  F.f  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARNES,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARNUM,  ISAAC,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BARRY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


318  HISTORY   OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

BARTLETT,  JEREMIAH  B.,  Priv.  Co.  F;   Res.,  Cumberland,  R.   I.;    Sept.  16, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
BARTON,  WILLIAM  E.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BASSETT,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BASSETT,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  trans 
ferred  from  the  llth  Reg't  R.  I.  Inf.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
at  Washington  from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until  Jan.  3,  1863,  when  he  was 
discharged  for  disability. 

BATEMAN,  NICHOLAS  S.     See  Nicholas  S.  Baton. 

BATON,  NICHOLAS  S.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  with 
supply  train  from  March  14,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

BAXTER,  DANIEL,  Musician  Co.  G;  Res.,  Phenix,  R.  I.,  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nich- 
olasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

BELCHER,  ANDREW  M.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  clerk  in  Brig.  Q.  M. 
Dept.  from  Nov.,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  Feb.,  1863,  forage  master  and 
so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BENNETT,  ADAMS  J.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  1.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  30,  1863,  died  of  disease  in 
hospital  at  Baltimore,  Md. 

BENNETT,  ALLEN  H.,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  8,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BENNETT,  ELI  A.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BENNETT,  ISRAEL  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  L;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BENNETT,  TIMOTHY,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of 
War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  H,  12th  R.  I.  Inf.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit 
further  information. 

BENNETT,  ZEPHANIAH,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept. 
22,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  Union 
Hospital,  Philadelphia,  from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

BENTLEY,  ALBERT  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  L;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  on  ammunition  train. 
Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863, 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BENTON,  EPHRAIM.     See  Ephraim  Burton. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  319 

BENWAY,  PAUL,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Harrisville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March.  15,  1863,  detached  on  ammu 
nition  train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BERRY,  LEWIS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  left  in  hospital  at  Fairfax 
Seminary,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  from  that  time  until  Jan.  16, 
1863,  when  he  returned  to  duty;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BICKERTON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Scituate,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  ammunition 
train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BICKNELL,  GEORGE  F.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Lt.  Co. 
E)  Dec.  30,  1862,  transferred  as  1st  Lt.  to  Co.  C.  Borne  as  sick  in 
hospital  from  Feb.  10,  1863,  until  May  20,  1863,  when  he  was  dis 
charged  for  disability. 

BISBEE,  JOSEPH  A.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BISHOP,  MARTIN  VAN  BUREN,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;   Oct.  4, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.   13,   1862,   mustered  in;    March   7,   1863,   died   of 
disease  at  Newport  News,  Va. 

BLAKE,  LEONARD  B.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BLAKELY,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BLANCHABD,  JEREMIAH,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BLANCHARD,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

BLANCHARD,  RUFUS  K.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BLISS,  GILBERT  S.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BLISS,  HENRY  A.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April,  1863,  assigned  to  Co.  K; 
April  25,  1863,  transferred  to  Co.  G.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  May,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BLISS,  JOSIAH  E.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

BLOUNT,  JUBAL,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  21,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOEHNE,  CHARLES  F.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled  at  Hopkinton, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May,  1863,  on  supply  train;  July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 


320  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

BOLSTER,  ADFEE  S.,  Wagoner  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOODE,  JULIUS,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOOTH,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at  Fort  Wood, 
N.  Y.,  from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  Jan.  3,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability. 

BOOTH,  WILLIAM  J.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BORDEN,  JULIUS.     See  Julius  Boode. 

Boss,  JONATHAN  M.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

Boss,  MALACHI  A.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  L;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOSWORTH,  EDWARD  T.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  23,  1863,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOSWORTH,  WILLIAM  C.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOTTOMLY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOWDEN,  JOHN  P.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.  24,  1863,  until  May  18,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disabil 
ity  at  Lovell  General  Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

BOWEN,  JAMES  A.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  2d  Lt.  Co.  H; 
April  17,  1863,  promoted  1st  Lt.;  April  26,  1863,  assigned  to  Co.  G. 
Borne  on  detached  service  as  provost  guard  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from 
April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOWEN,  JAMES  M.,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BOWEN,  SAMUEL  L.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  17,  1863,  detached  with  sup 
ply  train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BOWERS,  JOHN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  G,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

BOWMAN,  CHARLES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  L;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  from  that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BRADY,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  321 

BEAN,  HIRAM,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BBAN,  NATHAN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  26,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BEANNAN,  HUGH.     See  Hugh  Brennan. 

BBAYMAN,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BBAYTON,  BENJAMIN,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  28,  1862,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  .out. 

BEENNAN,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BEICKEETON,  JOHN.     See  John  Bickerton. 

BBIGGS,  RICHARD  A.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862, 
commissioned  and  mustered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  Oct.  10,  1862;  Dec. 
13,  1862,  killed  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg. 

BBIGGS,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BEITTON,  GEOEGE,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BBITTON,  HENEY,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as  pro 
vost  guard  from  Nov.  5,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  May  11,  1863,  detached 
on  supply  train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

BBOWN,  BENJAMIN  F.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13.  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
at  Fredericksburg;  March  25,  1863,  detached  on  ammunition  train 
and  so  borne  until  June  14,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

BBOWN,  DANIEL,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  General  Hospital 
at  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I.,  from  Dec.  15,  1862,  until  March  14,  1863, 
when  he  was  discharged  for  disability. 

BBOWN,  FBANCIS,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  1,  1862,  detailed  as  chief 
armorer;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  sent 
to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

BBOWN,  FEEDEBICK,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
21 


322  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

BROWN,  GEORGE  A.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  15,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWN,  GEORGE  E.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  March  26,  1863,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWNE,  GEORGE  H.,  Col.;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862,  commis 
sioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  furlough  for  seven  days 
from  Feb.  27,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWN,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  L;    Sept.  30, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
BROWN,  HERMAN,  Priv.  Co.  H;   Res.,  Providence,  R.   I.;   Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

BROWN,  ISAAC,  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  hospital;  Feb.  12, 

1863,  discharged  for  disability  from  hospital  at  Fort  Wood. 
BROWN,  JOHN  B.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7, 
1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWN,  LEWIS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWN,  OTIS  L.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Nov.  30,  1862,  until  April  6,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  dis 
ability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

BROWN,  THOMAS  W.  D.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
20,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWN,  WILLIAM  D.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  L;  Sept.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

"BROWN,  WILLIAM  H.  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BROWNING,  BERIAH  G.,  2d.  Lt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  18, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Ord.  Sgt.  and  transferred  to  Co.  G;  April,  1863, 
promoted  2d  Lt.;  April  29,  1863,  transferred  as  2d  Lt.  to  Co.  C;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BRYANT,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  1.  ;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  8,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BRYANT,  PERRY  R.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Taken  prisoner  at  the  battle 
of  Fredericksburg;  Dec.  16,  1862,  paroled,  sent  to  Annapolis,  Md., 
and  borne  as  absent  in  Parole  Camp  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  323 

BUCK,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUCK,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  on  ammunition  train 
from  March,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUCK,  JOHN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct  1  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at  Washington, 
from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUCKLIN,  GEORGE,  1st  Lt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mus 
tered  in;  Oct  9,  1862,  commissioned  2d  Lt.  of  Co.  F.  Borne  as  absent 
sick  from  Jan.,  1863,  until  March,  1863;  March  7,  1863,  transferred  as 
2cl  Lt.  to  Co.  A;  June  2,  1863,  transferred  as  2d  Lt.  to  Co.  H;  June  3, 
1863,  promoted  1st  Lt.  Mustered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  June  15,  1863, 
and  transferred  as  1st  Lt.  to  Co.  C;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUCKLIN,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  right  foot  amputa 
ted;  Jan.  9,  1863,  died  from  effects  of  wounds. 

BUDDINGTON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  1.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.,  1863,  until  May  5,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability 
at  Portsmouth  Grove  Hospital. 

BUNN,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUNTING,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Fall  River,  Mass.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURDICK,  MOSES  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  H,  12th 
R.  I.  Inf. 

BURDICK,  ORHIN  R.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  25,  1863,  detached  on  am 
munition  train  and  so  borne  until  June  14,  1863,  when  he  reported  for 
duty;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURDICK,  THOMAS  E.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURGESS,  CLARENCE  E.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURGESS,  JEREMIAH,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURGESS,  JESSE  W.  1st  Sgt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  side 
and  arm  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and1 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  Jan.  24,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  •  for 
disability  at  Point  Lookout  Hospital,  Md. 

BURKE,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


324  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

BUBLINGAME,  JAMES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  7, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUBLINGAME,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May,  1863,  detached  on  Invalid  Corps 
and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUBNETT,  CHABLES  G.,  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  March 
23,  1863,  appointed  Sgt;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in  leg  at  Fred- 
ericksburg;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUBNS,  CHRISTOPHER,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURNS  MARTIN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

BURNS,  MABTIN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  killed  at  the  battle 
of  Fredericksburg. 

BUBR,  HENRY  S.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en- 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BURR,  NORMAN  G.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  20,  1863,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUBBOWS,  FBANK,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUBTON,  EPHBAIM,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 

BUTLEB,  JOB,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  4,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

BUTTS,  EDWABD  P.,  2d  Lt  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commissioned;  Nov. 
19,  1862,  resigned. 

BUXTON,  AMASA,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  10,  1863,  died  of  disease  at 
Eckington  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

CADY,  CHABLES  T.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action  at 
Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  April,  1863; 
April,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  Invalid  Corps  and  so  borne  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CADY,  CALVIN  L.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  1.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  from  Camp 
Stevens,  Providence,  R.  I. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  325 

CADY,  DANIEL  W.,  Musician  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CADY,  JOHN  G.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne 
as  sick  until  March  31,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability 
from  Lovell  General  Hospital,,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 
CAHOONE,  ALFRED  P.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nich- 
olasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

CAHOONE,  ALONZO,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  10,  1863,  discharged  for 
disability  at  Newport  News. 

CAHOONE,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  25,  1862,  died  in  U.  S.  Hos 
pital  at  Philadelphia. 

CAHOONE,  ROBERT,  Priv.  Co.  G;   Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;    Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.   13,  1862,  mustered   in;    Jan,.   1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
"CALLAHAN,  MALACHI,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;   Sept.  23,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CALLAND,  ELIJAH  T.,   Priv.  Co.  E.;    Res.,  Warren,  R.   I.;    Sept.   15,   1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CALLIGAN,  JAMES.     See  James  Colligan. 

CAMERON,  DONALD,  Priv.  Co.  H;    Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;   Oct.  11,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D, 
1st  R.  I.  L.  Art.;  July  12,  1863,  returned  to  the  12th  Reg't  R.  I.  Inf.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CAMPBELL,  JAMES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  F;   Res.,  Providnce,  R.  I.;    Sept.  18,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CAMPBELL,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  L;   Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CAMPBELL,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  1.;   Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CAPRON,  ASA,  Priv.  Co.  F;   Res.,  Glocester,  R.  L;   Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered   in;    Dec.  31,  1862,  deserted  from  camp  near 
Falmouth,  Va. 

CARD,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  B;   Res.,  Cranston,  R.   L;   Sept.  29,   1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
CARD,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  L;   Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  14,  1862,  deserted. 
CARD,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1682,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  ammu 
nition  train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;    July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 


326  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

CABEW,  JOHN.     See  John  Carey. 

CAREY,  BENJAMIN  F.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CAREY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Natick,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct. 
13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARY,  LEANDER  C.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
April,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARPENTER,  BENONI,  Maj.  and  Surg.  P.  and  S.;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  15,  1862,  commissioned;  Oct.  15,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

CARPENTER,  FRANK  H.,  Hos.  Stew.;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  1.;  Oct.,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARPENTER,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  i862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  March  28,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate  from  Mount  Pleasant  General  Hospital. 

CARR,  CALEB  S.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Mustered  in  as  Sgt.;  March  1, 
1863,  appointed  1st  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARR,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas- 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

CARR,  JOHN  T.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Jamestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARR,  WILLIAM  S.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARROLL,  BERNARD,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  with  ammu 
nition  train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARROLL,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARROLL,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  1.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  hand  at  Freder- 
icksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  that  time  until 
March  24,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  duty;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

CARROLL  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  21,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  31,  1862,  deserted;  March  6, 
1865,  apprehended,  tried  by  G.  C.  M.  for  desertion  and  conduct  pre 
judicial  to  good  order  and  military  discipline,  found  guilty  and  per 
manently  assigned  to  Batt.  B,  1st  R.  I.  L.  A.  by  S.  O.,  dated  May  27, 
1865. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  327 

CARROLL,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  8,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Oct. 
13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  General  Hospital  and  borne 
as  absent  sick  until  May,  1863;  May,  12,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train 
and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CARTER,  BENJAMIN  F.,  Priv,.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  4,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CASEY,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Portsmouth,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  foot  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until 
May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CASSIDY,  JOHN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CASTLES,  FRANK,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CASWELL,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  5,  1863,  died  in  Reg't'l  Hospital,  near 
Falmouth,  Va. 

CAVANAUGH,  NICHOLAS,  Priv  Co  I;  Sept.  9,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHACE,  HENRY  L.,  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Middletown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHAFFEE,  ALBERT  B.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHAFEE,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  April,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHAMBERS,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHAMPLIN,  ELISHA  W.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept. 
5,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

CHAMPLIN,  STEPHEN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  8,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  sick  until  July  29,  1863,  when  he  joined  the  company 
and  was  mustered  out. 

CHAMPLIN,  THOMAS  D.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  20,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

CHAPPELL,  A.  ADOLPHUS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHAPPELL,  MATTHEW  N.,  1st  Lieut,  and  Adj.;  Res.,  South  Kingstown, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commissioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Orig 
inally  served  as  2d  Lt.  in  Co.  C;  mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mus 
tered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  Nov.  4,  1862;  Nov.,  1862,  transferred  to 
Co.  G;  April  29,  1863,  transferred  from  Co.  G  and  appointed  Adj. 
of  the  Regt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


328  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

CHASE,  FRANK,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Sept.  29,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mus 
tered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHASE,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  slightly  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.;  Jan.  4,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  Invalid 
Corps,  and  so  borne  until  June  18,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHENEY,  EDWABD  S.,  Capt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  11,  1862,  commissioned; 
Jan.  17,  1863,  discharged. 

CHESTER  ALBERT  L.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHURCH,  EDWIN  B.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CHURCH  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June,  5,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CLARK,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  for  service  with 
supply  train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

CLARK,  CHARLES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.,  1862,  in  ambulance  corps. 
Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at  Washington,  from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CLARK,  CHARLES  P.,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

CLARK,  CLINTON  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CLARK,  EDWARD,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  L;  Oct.  8,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  16,  1862,  detailed  as  nurse  in  Reg't'l 
Hospital,  and  so  borne  until  Jan.,  1863;  Jan.  16,  1863,  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

CLARKE,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  General  Hos 
pital,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  28,  1863,  when  he  was 
discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate. 

CLARK,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CLARKE,  JOHN  L.,  1st  Lt.  and  Reg't'l  Q.  M.;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Oct. 
9,  1862,  commissioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent 
with  leave  for  fifteen  days  from  Feb.  27,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

CLARK,  LIONEL  H.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  329 

CLARK,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Oct.  3,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  31,  1862, 
mustered  in;  Feb.  10,  1863,  deserted  from  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

CLARKE,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Sept.  25,  1862,  enrolled  at  Hopkinton, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

CLEMENCE,  STEPHEN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  14,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability  from  Portsmouth  Grove  Hospital. 

CLEMMENS,    STEPHEN.     See    Stephen    Clemence. 

CLISSOLD,  STEPHEN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  slightly 
in  head  at  Fredericksburg;  Jan.  12,  1863,  died  in  hospital  near 
Falmouth. 

CLOUGH,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1863,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  face  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COFFIN,  ALBERT,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COGGESHALL,  S.  WILDES,  Sgt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Bast  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COGGESHALL,   THOMAS   D.,   Priv.   Co.   G;    Res.,   Tiverton,   R.    I.;    Sept.   10, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  on  detached  service 
at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;    July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

COLE,  ALEXANDER,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  25,  1862.  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  on  ammunition  train, 
and  so  borne  until  June  14,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

COLE,  HARVEY  M.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  left 
side  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in 
hospital  until  March  16,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability 
from  Lovell  General  Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

COLE,  LUTHER,  JR.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Sgt.; 
Feb.  19,  1863,  commissioned  as  2d  Lt.,  and  mustered  in  as  such  March 
1,  1863;  April  17,  1863,  commissioned  1st  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as 
such  April  29,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COLE,  SYLVESTER,  Wagoner  Co.  K;  Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled  at  Glocester, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COLLIGAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I.;  arrested,  and  March  9,  1864,  assigned  to  Co.  A,  2d  R.  I. 
Vols.,  to  serve  out  term  of  service. 


330  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

COLLINS,  CRANSTON,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,, 
mustered  out. 

COLOBAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  Scituate,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COLTON,  WILLIAM.     See  William  Cotton. 

COLVIN,  CHARLES  E.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

COLVIN,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

COLWELL,  MORY,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.,  1862,  detailed  for  duty  in 
hospital  dept,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

COLWELL,  OTIS  P.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April,  1863,  detached  as  brigade 
blacksmith,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

CONNELL.  DAVID  0.    See  David  O'Connell. 

CONLY,  DANIEL,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  1,  1862,  sent  to  General 
Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Dec.  25, 
1862,  when  he  died. 

CONNELLY,  TERRY,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Sept.  8,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  5,  1863,  died  in  Regt'l  Hospital  at 
camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

CONNOLY,  OWEN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit 
further  information. 

COOK,  ELISHA,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COOK,  HORACE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Mapleville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  in 
back  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.,  1862,  until  May,  1863;  May,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  In 
valid  Corps,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

COOK,  JOHN  M.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  6,  1863,  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate  from  Finley  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  331 

COOK,  SALADIN,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  24,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COOK,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COOPEB,  RENSALAEB,  A.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.  24,  1863,  until  April,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COPELAND,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

COKNELL,  JOSEPH  P.,  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  April 
26,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COBREN,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action. 
Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7,  1863;  until  July,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COBBIGAN,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  25,  1862,  deserted  from  Camp  Casey, 
Va. 

COBY,  AUGUSTUS,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

COBEY,  BENJAMIN.     See  Benjamin  Carey. 

COBEY,  PHILIP  D.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  1.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  the  U.  S. 
Hospital,  Bedloe's  Island  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Jan.  3,  1863, 
when  he  joined  the  Regt.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville, 
Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CORY,  JOHN  G.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

COTTON,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  neck' 
at  Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  Jan.  22,  1863, 
when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  hospital  in  Washington, 
D.  C. 

COVILL,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CRAM,  IRA,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  9,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  Dec.  13, 
1862,  wounded  in  foot  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  muster 
ed  out. 

CRAMM,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I.; 
deserted  prior  to  Nov.  17,  1862.  Date  not  known. 


832 


HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


CEANDALL,  DANIEL  A.  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;   Sept.  10, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.   13,   1862,   mustered   in;    Dec.   13,   1862,'  wounded 
slightly  at  Fredericksburg.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7, 

1863,  until  April,  1863,  when  he  died  in  hospital  at  Philadelphia,  Pa! 
CBANDALL,  W.  OSCAE,  Priv.  Co.  H;   Res.,  North  Providence,  R.   I.;    Sept. 

30,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

CBIMMENS,  PATBICK,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
May  23,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CBOSON,  BEBNHABD,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

CEOWELL,  LTJTHEB  J.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CULLEN,  JOHN  P.,  Sgt.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CUNNINGHAM,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CUBBEN,  PETEB.     See  Peter  Corren. 

CUBBY,  LEANDEE,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  14,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Kingstown, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

CUBTIS,  A.  J.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  30,  1863,  left  sick  at  Pittsburg; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CUETIS,  FEANK,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  1.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

CUETIS,  JOHNSON  A.     See  A.  J.  Curtis. 

CUETIS,  MABVIN  M.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  21,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DAILY,  GEOBGE,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  12,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DAMON,  Lucius,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Hopkinton,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DABLING,  ALBEET,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DABLING,  FBANCIS,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DABLING,  ISAAC  L.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DABLING,  WELCOME  B.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DABLING,  WILLIAM  J.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  March 
16,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  Lovell  General 
Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  333 

DAVIS  ALBERT  C.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D,  1st 
R.  I.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  the 
12th  R.  I.  Vois.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DAVIS  JEFFREY  G.,  Sgt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg;  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  April  8, 
1863,  until  July  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DAVIS,  JOHN  A.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  returned  from 
hospital;  May  12,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train,  and  so  borne  until 
June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DEARTH,  JOHN  W.,  Musician  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  1.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DELANAH,  ALBERT  W.,  1st.  Lt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;   Oct.  10,  1862, 
commissioned;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Originally  served  as   2d 
Lt;  March  31,  1863,  commissioned  1st  Lt.;   April,  1863,  mustered  in; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DEMORRO,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;   Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as 
absent   sick    until    July,    1863;    July    15,    1863,    discharged    at   Louis 
ville,  Ky.,  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  service. 
DENICO,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
arrested  on  or  about  Jan.  21,  1865,  at  R.  I.,  as  a  deserter  from  Co.  C, 
12th  R.   I.   Inf.     Forwarded  to  Alexandria,  Va.,  where  he  was  tried 
by  G.  C.  M.;  found  guilty  and  sentenced;   April  12,  1865,  assigned  to 
Co.  A,  2d  R.  1.  Inf.;  May  2,  1865,  transferred  to  Co.  I,  7th  R.  I.  Inf. 
DENNIN,  EDWARD,  Priv.  Co.  C;   Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;   Sept.  21,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DENNIS,  JOSEPH  C.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DEPLITCH,  JONATHAN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  L;   Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;    Oct.   13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 
DEVLIN,  ARCHIBALD,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  4,  1862,  enrolled  at  Olneyville,  R.  I.; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DEVLIN,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
in  arm  at  Fredericksburg  and  sent  to  hospital;  rejoined  the  regiment 
at  Kentucky;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DEVOLVE,  WARREN  N.,  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.  Co. 
B;  Jan.  1,  1863,  transferred  to  Co.  G  as  Color  Sgt.  Borne  on  detached 
service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


334  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

DEWOLF,  GEORGE  H.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DEXTER,  THEODORE  F.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May  10,  1863,  detailed  as  team 
ster  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DICKENS,  DANIEL  M.     See  Daniel  McDicken. 

DICKINSON,  GEORGE  L.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

DIMAN,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  21,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DIMMICK,  OLIVER  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DINECO    JOHN.    See  John  Denico. 

DINGWELL,  WILLIAM  H.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.; 
June  15,  1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOHERTY,  DANIEL  B.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May  12,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOLAN,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

DOMAN,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

DONNELLY,  THOMAS,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOOMAN,  JOSEPH.     See  Joseph  Doman. 

DORMAN,  JOSEPH.     See  Joseph  Doman. 

DORSAY  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Battery 
D,  1st  R.  1.  Art.;  June  6,  1863,  shot  by  a  citizen  at  Camp  Robinson, 
Ky.,  while  on  detached  service. 

DOUGHERTY,  DANIEL  B.    See  Daniel  B.  Doherty. 

DOUGLASS,  GEORGE  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOUGLASS,  JOHN  D.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOWNES  JOHN  F.,  Sgt.  Maj.;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Oct.  11,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.  Co.  B;  March 
21,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.  Maj.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOWNEY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Fall  River,  Mass.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  ammuni 
tion  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS 


335 


DOYLE,  DENNIS,  Priv.  Co.  H;   Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  I.;   Oct.  9,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DOYLE,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;   Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DOYLE    JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  H;   Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  L; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 
DOYLE,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;   Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;   Oct.  7,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.    13,   1862,   mustered   in;    March,   1863,    detached    on   ammunition 
train;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DOYLE,  WILLIAM  O.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in 
ankle  at  Fredericksburg;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DRAKE,  ANDREW  G.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  L;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

DREGAN,  JOHN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Department  as  of  Co.  G, 
12th,  R.  I.  Inf. 

DRISCOLL  FREDERIC  A.,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  May  18,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's 
certificate  at  Providence,  R.  I. 

DROWNE,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  3,  1863,  detached  for  ser 
vice  in  Ambulance  Corps,  and  so  borne  until  June  18,  1863,  when  he 
returned  to  regiment;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DUFFEE,  JAMES,  JR.,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  March  20, 
1863,  promoted  Sgt;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DUFFY,  JOHN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  I;   Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  L; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    Dec.  23,  1862,  died  in  hospital  near  Fal- 

mouth,  Va.,  from  wounds  received  at  the  battle  of   Fredericksburg, 

Dec.  13,  1862. 

DUFFY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Oct. 

13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DUFFY,  PETER.    See  Peter  Durfee. 

DUFFY,   THOMAS,   Priv.   Co.   E;    Res.,   Bristol,   R.    I.;    Sept.    26,   1862,   en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  18t>2,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 
DUNBAH,  FREEBORN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;   Sept  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DUNBAB,  ROBERT  R.,  Priv.  Co.  E;   Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;   Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
DUNHAM,  JOSEPH  R.,  Musician  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Jan.,  1863,  detailed  as  nurse  in 
hospital,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


336  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

DUNN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Jan.  26, 
1863,  until  March  20,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability 
from  Finley  General  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

DUNN,  THOMAS  D.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DUNWELL,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Bast  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  8, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to 
Battery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he 
returned  to  the  12th  R.  I.  Vols.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DUEFEE,  PETEB,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec,  1,  1862,  deserted. 

DUBFEE,  RICHARD  C.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Aug.  21,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec,  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  April,  1863; 
April  21,  1863,  discharged  for  disability  at  Lovell  General  Hospital, 
Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

DUXBUEY,  AAEON,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DWTEE,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Sept.  24,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  25,  1863,  detached  for  service  on 
ammunition  train,  and  so  borne  until  June  15,  1863,  when  he  returned 
to  the  regiment;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

DYEB,  CYEUS  G.,  Major.  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  commis 
sioned;  mustered  in  to  date  Oct.  17,  1862;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg.  Borne  as  absent  sick  from 
May  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  23,  1863,  mustered  out. 

EASTEEBEOOKS  GAEDNEE,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  Brig,  teamster 
from  Nov.,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ECCLESTON  JOHN  S.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ECKEBSLEY,  PETEB,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

EDDY,  AMASA  F.,  Com.  Sgt;  Res.,  Chepachet,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

EDDY,  HIRAM,  Musician  Co.  C;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  L;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec.  29, 
1862,  until  March  7,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  cer 
tificate. 

EGGLESTON,  EBWIN  S.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
in  head  at  Fredericksburg;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ENGLISH,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action  at 
Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  May  5,  1863,  when 
he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate  at  Providence,  R.  1. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  337 

ENGLISH,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8.  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ESSEX,  JAMES  S.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

;EVANS,  CLINTON  O.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FAGAN,  BARNEY,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Sept.  21,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FAIRBROTHER,  FRANCIS  B.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;   Sept.  19, 

1862,  enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  on  extra  duty  in 
Brig,   bakery,   from  Feb.   3,  1863,   until  March,   1863;    July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

FALES,  EDMUND  W.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Middletown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  27,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
at  Baltimore,  Md.;  date  of  return  not  stated;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

FARNLEY,  ELI,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  H,  12th 
R.  I.  Inf. 

FARNUM,  CYRUS  A.,  Corp  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FARNUM,  PHILIP,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FARRAR,  JAMES  S.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

VAUCETT  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick, 
R.  I.,  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  April  6, 

1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
FAY   JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  March  27, 
1863,  until  July,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FENNER,  JOHN  A.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  1.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  18,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FENNER  RUSSELL,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  25,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FENNER,   STERRY,  Priv.  Co.  C;   Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;    Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.   13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.  26,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
22 


338  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

FERNLEY,  ROBERT,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Oct.  7,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I. 
Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May  11, 
1863,  detached  for  service  in  Invalid  Corps,  and  so  borne  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FERRY,  JOHN.     See  John  Friery. 

FIELD,  SAMUEL  W.,  Chaplain.  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  15,  1862,  com 
missioned;  Oct.  15,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FIELD,  WILLIAM  F.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Bast  Provi 
dence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13.  1862,  wounded  in 
action.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Jan.  24,  1863,  until  March 
12,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate. 

FINNEY,  PATRICK,  JR.,  Priv.  Co,  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  1.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  26,  1863,  detached  for  service 
on  ammunition  train,  and  so  borne  until  May  10,  1863,  when  he 
returned  to  Regt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FISH,  ISAAC,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  en- 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1662,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

FISKE,  CHARLES,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence.  R.  I.;  Sept. 
29,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

FITZPATRTICK,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Oct.  8,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I.; 
Feb.  28,  1863,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FLANAGAN,  MICHAEL,  Corp  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FLANNIGAN,  DENNIS,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Bast  Greenwich,  R.  I.;   Sept.  22, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 
FLEMING,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Bast  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862, 

enrolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FLETCHER,  SAMUEL  M.,  Asst.  Surg.;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Originally  served  as  Priv.  Co.  A; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  detailed  for  duty  in  hospital,  and  so  borne  until  May  6, 

1863,  when  he  was  promoted  Asst.  Surg.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FOSTER,  JERRY  B.,  Priv.  Co.  F;    Res.,  Coventry,  R.   1.;    Sept.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FOSTER,  LAWTON  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  L.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action, 
sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

FOWLER,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862.  deserted. 

FRANCIS,  LORENZO  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FRANCIS,  LUCIEN  E.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

FRANKLIN,  CORNELIUS,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Natick,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  339 

FRANKLIN,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  F;   Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  on  ammunition  train  from 
March,  1863,  until  June,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FRANKLIN,  SQUIRE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res,,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  27,  1862, 

enrolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FREEBORN,   GEORGE,   Priv.   Co.   D;    Res.,    Newport,  R.    I.;    Oct.   9,   1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FREEBORN,  ORLAND,  Priv.  Co.  D;   Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;   Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  in 
leg  at  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  July, 
1863;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FRIERY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  K;    Sept.  6,  1862,  enrolled  at  Burrillville,  R.  I.; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FULLER,  ALBERT,   Priv.   Co.   H;    Res.,   North   Providence,   R.    I.;    Sept.   20, 
1862,  enrolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  absent  on  fur 
lough  for  thirty  days  from  March  15,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

FULLER,   ISAAC,  Priv.  Co.  A;    Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;    Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  17,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
FULLER,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  Mapleville,  R.   I.;    Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GAHAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GAITLAND,  JOHN.     See  John  Gartland. 
GALEN,  PATRICK.    See  Patrick  Gillien. 

GALLAGHER,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  10,  1863,  deserted  from  camp 
near  Lexington,  Ky. 

GALLIGHAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;    Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.   I.;   Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GANNON,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;    Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;   Aug.   20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.    Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 
GARDNER,  FREDERICK  A.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  17,  1863,  detailed  as  provost 
guard,  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GARDNER,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.    13,   1862,   mustered   in;    Nov.   15,   1862,   detached   for   service   in 
Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  Aprii,  1863.     Borne  as  sick  in 
hospital  from  June  11,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

GARDNER,  VINCENT,  Priv.  Co.  K;   Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  I.;    Sept.  26, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GARDNER,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GARRICK,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  D;   Res.,  Newport,  R.   L;    Oct.  11,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


340  HISTORY    OP   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

GARTLAND,  JOHN,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GAVITT,  BRADFORD  A.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  1.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

GELDING,  AUSTIN.     See  Austin  Yelding. 

GEREAED,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GIFFORD,  RUSSELL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  duty  in  Ambulance 
Corps  from  Nov.  17,  1862,  until  Dec.  1862.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until  Feb.  20,  1863,  when  he  died  at  Alexandria, 
Va. 

GILLAN,  PATRICK.     See  Patrick  Gillien. 

GILLIEN,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Oct.  7,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GILMARTIN,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  on  furlough 
for  twenty  days  from  Dec.  22,  1862;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GILMORE,  GEORGE  C.,  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the  battle  of 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  that  time 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GILBOY,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GLADDING,  NATHANIEL,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.,  1862,  in  Ambulance  Corps; 
Dec.,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Feb.  24, 
1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability. 

GLEASON,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GLINES,  CHARLES  E.,  Corp  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GLOVER,  DAVID,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  15,  1863,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GODFREY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  22,  1862,  discharged  for  dis- 
abilitr. 

GODFREY,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOFF,  JAMES  F.,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  May  18,  1863, 
appointed  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  341 

GOFFE,  SIGOURNEY  B.,  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  March 
1,  1863,  appointed  Sgt.;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in  chest  at 
Fredericksburg;  July,  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOOD,  JAMES  J.,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  29,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

GOODNESS,  PETEE,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOODSPEED,  SMITH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Foster,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  ammunition  train,  from  March, 
1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOEDON,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOBHAM,  ISAAC,  Sgt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOBHAM  WILLIAM  T.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOBTON,  JACOB,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  4,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1864  mustered  in;  Feb.  19,  1863,  died  at  Mt.  Pleasant  Hos 
pital,  D.  C. 

GOBTON,  JEBEMIAH  K.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOULD,  FBEDEBICK  C.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  29,  1862,  until  May,  1863;  May  5,  1863,  detached  for  service 
in  Invalid  Corps,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

GOULD,  JOSEPH  W.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
June  18,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GOULD,  ROBEBT,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Middletown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  Feb.  14,  1863,  when  he  died  at  Emory  Hospital, 
D.  C. 

GRANT,  JOSEPH  W.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GRANT,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  (left  leg  amputated),  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  6,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

GRAY,  ALBEBT,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  brigade  teamster. 
Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  8,  1863,  until  April  9,  1863,  when 
he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


342 


HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


GRAY,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  1.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
GRAY,  HENRY,  Corp  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from 
April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GRAY,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  from 
March  14,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GRAY,  WILLIAM  R.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  30,  1862,  until  May,  1863;  May  2,  1863,  detached  for  service  in 
Invalid  Corps;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREEN,  BENJAMIN,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREEN,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at 
Washington  from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

GREEN,  CLARK,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  15,  1863,  died  in  Odd  Fellows 
Hall  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

GREEN,  WILLARD  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  with  leave  from 
Nov.  3,  1862,  until  Dec.,  1862;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREENE,  GEORGE  R.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action 
at  Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  Jan. 
22,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty;  March  25,  1863,  detached  for 
service  on  ammunition  train  and  so  borne  until  June  14,  1863,  when 
he  reported  for  duty;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREENE,  THOMAS  M.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action. 
Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

GREGORY,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May,  1863,  on  supply  train;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREGSON,  THOMAS  A.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Provi 
dence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREY,  ALBERT.     See  Albert  Gray. 

GREY,  AMASA,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GREY,  CHARLES  H.     See  Charles  H.  Gray. 

GREY,  WILLIAM  R.     See  William  R.  Gray. 

GREY,  WILLIAM  H.     See  William  H.  Gray. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  348 

GRINNELL,  ABNEB,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  15,  1862,  died  from  wounds 
received  in  action  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862. 

GROSS,  WILMARTH,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  April  15,  1863, 
enrolled.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  May  1,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GUELLO,  HENRY  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GUINAN,  WILLIAM,  Sgt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1863,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GURNEY,  EDWARD  F.     See  Edward  F.  Gurry. 

GURRY,  EDWARD  F.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862  wounded  in  action 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital,  and  borne  as  absent  sick 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GUSHEE,  NATHANIEL  W.,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
March  20,  1863,  appointed  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

GUYOTT,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec.  1, 

1862,  until  July,  1863;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HACKETT,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HADFIELD,  FREDERICK,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasvilie,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

HADFIELD,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  March  9,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  duty.  Borne 
on  detached  service  at  Nicholasvilie,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HALL,  LEWIS  N;  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  18,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HALL,  STEPHEN  D.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fred 
ericksburg,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  May,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

HALL,  THEODORE  F.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  20,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;   Sept.  12,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


344  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

HAMIL,  PATBICK  B.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  11,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  1.,  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action, 
sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  May  18,  1863,  when  he 
was  discharged  for  disability  from  Lovell  General  Hospital,  R.  I. 

HAMILTON,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HAMILTON,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HAMILTON,  WILLIAM  H.,  Musician  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
22,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

HANDY,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

HANLEY,  PATBICK,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HABDON,  EDWABD  V.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HABPEB,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
Nov.  1,  1862,  until  Jan.  7,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability. 

HAEBINGTON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  1.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HABBIS,  WILLIAM  S.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Foster,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  that 
time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HABBY,  CHABLES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Bat 
tery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  re 
turned  to  the  12th  R.  I.  Vols.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HATCH,  NICHOLAS  C.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

HABVEY,  CHABLES  E.     See  Charles  E.  Harry. 

HABVEY,  SYLVESTEB  N.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I;  Sept. 
9,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  24,  1863,  de 
tached  on  ammunition  train  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

HATHAWAY,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  leg  at 
Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  March  28,  1863, 
when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate. 

HAYES,  MABTIN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  arm 
at  Fredericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  345 

HAZARD,  DANIEL,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HAZARD,  WANTON  W.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  16,  1863,  detached  for 
duty  as  provost  guard  in  2d  Div.  9th  A.  C.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HAZARD,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I;  Sept.  9, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  March  30,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HAZARD,  WILLIAM  R.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10, 

1862,  enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.    Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from   Feb.   7,   1863,   until   July,   1863.     Rejoined  the  Reg't;    July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

HEAD,  HENRY  P.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Bat 
tery  D.  1st  R.  1.  L.  A.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  re 
turned  to  the  12th  R.  I.  Inf.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HEALEY,  JOHN  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  L;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
June  19,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HEFFERNAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Muster  out  roll  of  Co.  dated  July  29,  1863, 
has  remark  "Not  reported  for  muster  out." 

HEINZE,  JULIUS,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from  that  time  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HENRY,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Fall  River,  Mass.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HENRYS,  CHARLES  C.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  Dec.  17,  1862,  when  he  was  discharged  for 
disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

HIBBERT,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

HIBBERT,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  H.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train  and 
so  borne  until  May;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HICKS,  ALLISON  P.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HIGGINS,  CHRISTOPHER,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hos 
pital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  16,  1863,  when  he  was  dis 
charged  for  disability  from  Lovell  General  Hospital,  Portsmouth 
Grove,  R.  I. 

HINES,  JOHN.    See  John  Hynes. 

HINTZY,  JULIUS.     See  Julius  Heinze. 


346  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

HOAR,  WILLIAM,  Corp.  Co.  E.;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  1.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  20,  1863,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HODGSON,  WILLIAM  S.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky..,  from  April 

7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOGG,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOLLOW  AY,  HENBY  S.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  19,  1862,  detached  for  duty 
in  Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on  de 
tached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOOPER,  JOHN  W.,  Priv.  Co.  D.;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOPKINS,  DANIEL  A.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
April  16,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOPKINS,   STEPHEN   M.,   1st  Lt.   Co.    I;    Res.,  Burrillville,  R.   1.;    Aug.   20, 

1862,  enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  left  foot  amputated  by  reason 
of  wounds.     Resigned  and  honorably  discharged  by  S.  O.  dated  Dec. 
19,  1862. 

HOPKINS,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Foster,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb. 

8,  1863,  until  May,  1863;   May,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  invalid 
Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HORTON,  ALBERT  P.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Sept.  24,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HORTON,  BENJAMIN  S.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept.  14,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at 
Washington,  from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

HOSMANG,  FRANK,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOULIHAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.,  13  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HOWARD,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  8, 

1863,  until  May  5,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certi 
ficate. 

HOWARD,  JOHN  B.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  in 
ankle  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


EDWIN  H.  TILLEY. 

(From  a  recent  picture.) 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  347 

ROWLAND,  CHRISTOPHER  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.; 
Sept.  26,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  27,  1862, 
commissioned  2d  Lt.  5th  R.  I.  Vols.,  and  discharged  Jan.  5,  1863,  to 
accept  the  same. 

HOXIE,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUBBARD,  WILLIAM  E.,  Capt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commissioned; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUDSON,  HENRY  J.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  21,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  27,  1863,  appointed  Corp. 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUDSON,  WILLIAM  M.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUFFRING,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUGHES,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUGHES,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

HULL,  ALFRED  G.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Jamestown,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HULL,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HULL,  HENRY  M.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Jamestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Nov.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUMPHREY,  HORATIO  M.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  29,  1863,  died  in  hospital 
at  Windmill  Point,  Va. 

HUNT,  HIRAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUNT,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  11,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  face  at  the  bat 
tle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HUNTINGTON,  LESTER,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  26,  1862,  died  of  disease  at 
Boston,  Mass. 

HUTCHINSON,   CRAWFORD,   Priv.   Co.   C;    Res.,  Providence,  R.   I.;    Sept.   27, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.   13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,   1863,   mustered 
out. 

HUTCHINSON,  PROSPER  K.,  Ass't  Surg.;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  20,  1862, 
commissioned;  Oct.  21,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  from  Feb., 

1863,  until   April   15,   1863,   when   he  resigned,   and    resignation   was 
accepted. 


348  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

HUTTEB,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  April  6,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate. 

HYDE,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

HYNES  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

JENCKES,  ARNOLD  A.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  by  shell 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

JENKS,  JABEZ  E.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  21,  1863,  died  of 
disease  at  Newport  News,  Va. 

JEPSON,  EDWABD  M.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

JOHNSON,  CALEB,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  March  23,  1863,  when  he  joined  the  Reg't.  Borne 
on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

JOHNSON,  EBENEZER,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  1,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

JOHNSON,  EDWARD,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  4,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  missing  in  action 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  informa 
tion. 

JOHNSON,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  9,  1863,  deserted  at  Lexing 
ton;  April  14,  1863,  joined  from  desertion.  Co.  muster  out  roll  dated 
July  29,  1863,  reports  him  under  arrest  awaiting  sentence  of  G.  C.  M. 
Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  information. 

JOHNSON,  THOMAS  M.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

JOHNSON,  V^ILLIAM  N.,  Priv.  Co.  G.;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  March  14,  1863,  discharged  at  York,  Pa.  Name  not  found 
on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  G,  12th  R.  I.  Inf. 

JOHNSON,  ZINA  W.,  Sgt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.;  June 
15,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  349 

JONES,  IRWIN  A.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  1.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  6,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disaoility. 

JOURDAN,  JOB,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.  26,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May,  1863,  detached  for  service  in 
Invalid  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

KAGIN,  PETEK,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1«62,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KAGIN,   PATRICK,  Priv.   Co.   H;    Res.,  North   Providence,   R.   I.;    Sept.   19, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.    13,   1862,   mustered   in;    Dec.   13,    1862,   slightly 
wounded  in  arm  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KAHON,  R.  H.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  May  5,  1863,  discharged  for  disability  at  Gen 
eral  Hospital.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  G, 
12th  R.  I.  Inf.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  information. 

KAY,  JAMES,  June  15,  1862,  enrolled.  Deserted  just  before  the  organiza 
tion  was  mustered  in  (Oct.  13,  1862);  Dec.,  1863,  arrested  and  sent 
to  the  7tli  R.  I.  Inf.  to  serve  out  his  time  of  enlistment;  Feb.  8,  1864, 
assigned  to  Co.  B,  7th  ±t.  I.  Inf. 

KEACH,  EDWABD  F.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KEELER,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KEELER,  RICHARD  N.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled  at  Glocester, 
R.  L;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  wrist  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  April  29, 

1863,  when  he  died  of  disease  at  Portsmouth  Grove  Hospital,  R.  I. 
KEELING,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Tiverton,  R.  I.; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas- 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

KEITH,  COLLINS  A.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillsville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KEITING,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KELLOGG,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Missing  since  the  battle 
of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit 
further  information. 

KELLY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1862,  mustered  out. 

KELLY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Aug.  23,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


350  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

KENNEDY,  JOHN  T.,  Priv.  Co.  E;   Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;   Sept.  29,  1862, 

enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KENNEDY,  THOMAS  J.,  Corp.  Co.  H;   Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;    Sept. 
10,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Feb.  17,  1863,  detached 
as  provost  guard,  2d  Div.  9th  A.  C.,  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KENNEY,   THOMAS,   Priv.   Co.   F;    Res.,  Cumberland,  R.   1.;    Sept.   4,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KENNY,  PARDON,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  enrolled; 

Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KENYON,   JOHN  E.,  Corp.  Co.  B;    Res.,  Providence,  R.   I.;    Sept.  22,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 
KEENER,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;    Res.,  Providence,  R.   I.;    Sept.   22,   1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   May,  1863,  on  supply  train;   July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KETTLE,  JOHN  B.  F.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

KETTLE,  SAMUEL  S.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

KIERNAN,  GARRETT,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I. 
Borne  on  detached  service  from  March  14,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KIERNAN,  THOMAS,  Musician  Co.  C;   Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;   Sept.  16,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustereu  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KILLION,  JAMES  H.,  Priv.   Co.   D;    Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;    Sept.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  1. 

KIMBALL,  MARTIN  F.,  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  borne  on  subsequent 
rolls.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  information. 
KIMBALL,  MORANDA,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  June,  1863,  detached  for  service  in 
Invalid  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

KIMPTON,  GEORGE  H.,  Wagoner  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  8, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

KINDER,  SAMUEL,  Jr.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;   Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   May  12,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train,  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
KINE,  DANIEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  851 

KING,  ELIAB,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Jan.  26, 
1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KING,  HENRY,  Ass't  Surg.;  Res.,  Apponaug,  R.  I.;  Oct.  19,  1862,  mustered 
in;  Oct.  19,  1862,  commissioned.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
April  9,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May  13,  1863,  resigned  and  resigna 
tion  accepted. 

KING,  MANUEL,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
April  8,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KING,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KING,  WILLIAM  H.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  com 
missioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Lt. 
Co.  D;  Dec.,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  I;  March  7,  1863,  assigned  to 
Co.  F;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KINGMAN,  CASSANDEE,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KINNEY,  THOMAS.     See  Thomas  Kenney. 

KINNICUTT,  GEOEGE  R.,  Wagoner  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

KNECHT,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D, 
1st  R.  1.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  returned  to 
the  12th  Reg't  R.  I.  Inf.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KNIGHT,  NEHEMIAH  R.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Nov.  19,  1862,  detached  for 
service  in  Ambulance  Corps,  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne 
on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

KNOWLES,  MARTIN  V.  B.,  Priv.  Co.  B;   Res.,  Jamestown,  R.  I.;    Sept.   17, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.   13,   1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

KNOWLES,  STEPHEN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glendale,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LAMBERT,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LANE,  ALONZO  D.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LAPHAM,  OSCAE,  Capt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  com 
missioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Lt. 
Co.  B;  Nov.  7,  1862,  detached  from  regiment  as  A.  D.  C.  to  D.  R. 
Wright,  Col.  commanding  1st  Brig.,  Casey's  Div.;  Dec.  10,  1862,  re 
turned  to  regiment;  Dec.  27,  1862,  appointed  Adj.;  March,  1863,  ab 
sent  on  furlough;  March  24,  1863,  commissioned  Capt.;  April  15, 
1863,  mustered  in  and  assigned  to  Co.  K;  June  29,  1863,  detached  for 
duty  as  Judge  Advocate  on  Court  Martial  at  Jamestown;  July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 


352  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

LABAVT,  PBIEST,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LABKIN,  ASHAEL  G.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  1.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

LAW,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LAWSON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Missing  since  the  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  infor 
mation. 

LAWTON,  GEOBGE  F.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  head 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until  Feb.  16, 
1863,  when  he  was  honorably  discharged  for  disability. 

LEACH,  EUSHA  S.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  March  30,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disa 
bility  at  Washington. 

LEACH,  WILLIAM  R.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

LEONARD,  CHABLES  T.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
in  shoulder  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  sent  to  hospital;  May  13, 
1863,  detached  on  ammunition  train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LEWIS,  JAMES  G.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Richmond,  R.  1.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  28,  1863,  died  in  regimental 
hospital  at  Newport  News. 

LIBBY,  NELSON  P.,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  June  29,  1863,  appointed  Corp.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LIGHT,  OLIVEB,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fred 
ericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  (leg  amputated)  and  borne  as  absent 
sick  until  April  6,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  cer 
tificate  at  Providence. 

LINDSEY,  WILUAM  H.,  Sgt.,  Maj.;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Sgt. 
Co.  F;  Jan.  1863,  promoted  Sgt.  Maj.  and  transferred  to  Non.  Com. 
Staff;  March  21,  1863  discharged  per  order. 

LINN,  PETEB,  Sgt.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  June  15, 
1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  353 

LINNET,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

LITTLEFIELD,  EDWARD  H.,  Priv.,  Co.  D.;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  L;  Sept. 
27,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hos 
pital  from  Feb.  8,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LITTLEFIELD,  RAY,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LIVERMORE,  JOHN  F.     See  John  F.  Loramore. 

LOCK,  PARDON  T.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.; 
Feb.,  1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LONDRE,  ZEBULON,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LONGSTREET,  JAMES  M.,  Capt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  on  fur 
lough  from  June  2,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

LORAMORE  JOHN  F.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LOVELL,  ENOCH  W.,  Musician  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  L;  Sept. 
25,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

LOWE,  EDWIN,  Sgt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LUTHER,  HIRAM,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29  1863,  mustered  out. 

LUTHER,  EDWARD  M.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  10,  1863,  deserted;  April 
15,  1863,  joined  from  desertion.  In  Military  Prison  at  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  awaiting  sentence  of  G.  C.  M.  at  time  of  muster  out.  Investi 
gation  fails  to  elicit  further  information. 

LUTHER,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  C.  K;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

LYGHTON,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co. F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

LYNCH,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MACHERET,  JULES,  1st  Lt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Boston,  Mass.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  com 
missioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  25,  1862,  resigned. 

MACOMBER,  EDWARD  A.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;    Oct.    13,    1862,   mustered    in.    Originally    served    as   Priv.; 
Nov.  1862,  borne  on  duty  in  Ambulance  Corps;    July  29,   1863,  mus 
tered  out. 
23 


354  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

MACOMBER,  GEORGE  E.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  H;    Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;    Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  April,  1863;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 
MAGINN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;   Res.,  Providence,  R.   I.;   Sept.   25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
MALONEY,    CORNELIUS,    Priv.    Co.    1;     Sept.    19,    1862,    enrolled    at    War 
wick,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June,  1863,  in  Pioneer  Corps; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MANCHESTER,  ALBERT  H.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  mustered  out. 
MANCHESTER,  BENJAMIN  S.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  found  on  rolls 
of  War  Dept,  Washington,  as  of  Co.  C,  12th  R.  I.  Inf.  Investigation 
fails  to  elicit  further  information. 

MANCHESTER,  GEORGE  B.  S.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hos 
pital  from  Jan.  24,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

MANCHESTER,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

MANCHESTER,  SANFORD  H.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

MANCHESTER,  THEODORE  A.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

MANCHESTER,  WILLIAM  HORATIO,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
20,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly 
wounded  at  Predericksburg,  Va.;  Mc.rch  25,  1863,  detached  for  duty 
on  ammunition  train,  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on  de 
tached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MANCHESTER,  WILLIAM  HENRY,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
24,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted 
Corp.;  March,  1863,  borne  on  duty  on  ammunition  train.  Borne  on 
detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MANLY,  LYMAN  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E.;   Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;    Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
MANN,  ARTHUR.    See  Arthur  Moan. 
MANNY,   JEREMIAH,   Priv.   Co.    I;    Sept.   22,    1862,  enrolled   at   Providence, 

R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
MARTIN,  BARNEY  F.,  Priv.  Co.  E;   Res.,  Bristol,  R.  1.;    Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  355 

MARTIN,  FRANCIS,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

MASON,  JAMES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MASON,  JOHN  B.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  action; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MASON,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  died  of  wounds 
received  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

MATHEWSON,  ALBERT  C.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MATHEWSON,  ALONZO,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  I. 

MATHEWSON,  CHARLES  H.,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;   Sept.  21, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
MATHEWSON,  ENNIS.  Priv.  Co.  F;   Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;    Oct.  6,  1862, 

enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  25,  1862,  detached  for  serv 
ice   in   Ambulance    Corps    and   so   borne  until    July,    1863;    July    29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

MATHEWSON,  HORACE,  Musician  Co.  K;  Aug.  28,  1862,  enrolled  at  Bur- 
rillville,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

MATHEWSON,  PHILIP,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  14,  1863,  died  at  Convalescent 
Hospital,  Alexandria,  Va. 

M^ATHEWSON,    THOMAS    C.,    Priv.    Co.    K;    Res.,    Warwick,    R.    I.;    Oct.    6, 

1862,  enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from   Dec.  29   1862,  until  March,  26,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

MATTESON,  GEORGE  E.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  15,  1862,  detached  for  service 
in  Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

MATTESON,  GEORGE  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  1.;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MATTISON,  HENRY  C.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  16,  1863,  detached  as  provost 
guard  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

MATTISON,  JARED,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  8, 

1863,  until  July,  1863;    July  29,  1863,  joined  from  hospital  and  was 
mustered  out. 


856  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

MATTESON,  LEWIS  J,,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MATTESON,  ROBERT  F.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Bat 
tery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  re 
turned  to  the  12th  R.  I.  Inf.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MAY,  EDMOND,  Sgt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
Nov.  19,  1862,  until  March,  1863.  Borne  as  sick  from  June  19,  1863, 
until  July;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MAYBERRY,  DAVID  S.,  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Mustered  in  as  Corp.;  March  27, 
1863,  appointed  Sgt;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

MAYHEW,  D.  CALEB,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MAYMOND,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in 
leg  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCANNICH,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCANANLY,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  C,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

MCARTHUR,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  4,  1863,  died  at  General  Hospital, 
Windmill  Point,  Va. 

MCBRIDE,  ALAMANDO,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  D.ec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  8,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
on  surgeon's  certificate  at  Baltimore,  Md. 

McCABE,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en- 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out 

MCCAFFREY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCCANNA,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Res.,  Middletown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

MCCANNA,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 

MCCARNEY,  EDWARD,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  28,  1863,  deserted  near 
Altoona,  Pa. 

MCCARTAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 

MCCARTHY,  JOHN.    See  John  McCartan. 

MCCARTHY,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  357 

McCAETHY,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862, 
mustered  in;  Jan.  16,  1863,  discharged  for  disability  at  camp  near 
Falmouth,  Va. 

McCARTNY,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McCAViT,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  5  1862,  detached  as  provost 
guard  and  so  borne  until  Jan.,  1863.  Borne  on  supply  train  from 
May  11,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCCOLLIS,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

McCdMB,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McCoMB,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCCORMICK,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCDERMOT,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  5,  1862,  detached  as  provost 
guard  and  so  borne  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McDiCKEN,  DANIEL,  Fifer  Co.  F;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.  Co.  A; 
Oct.  22,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  F  as  fifer;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCDONALD,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Phenix,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  shoulder  at  the 
battle  of  *  redericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  that 
time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCDONALD,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCGAVIT,  JAMES.     See  James  McCavit. 

McGEE,  ARTHUR,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McGEE,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCGETRIC,  DOMINIC,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of 
War  Dept  as  of  Co.  A,  12th  R.  I.  Inf. 

MCGETRICK,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCGETRIC,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McGiER,  JOHN  F.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


358  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

McGovERN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCGOVERN,  PATRICK,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled  at  Johnston, 
R.  I;  March  9,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McGowAN,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCGUINNESS,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  June  21,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCINTYRE,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Providence,  R.  1. 

MCKELVEY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862.  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept,  Washington,  as  of 
Co.  H,  12th  Regt,  R.  I.  Inf. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  5,  1862,  detached  on  service 
as  provost  guard  and  so  borne  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

MCMAHON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  foot  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  March 
12,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at  Lovell  General 
Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R,  I. 

MCMANN,  JOHN.     See  John  McMahon. 

MOMANN,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCNELLY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McNiNCH,  WILLIAM.     See  William  McAnnich. 

MCNULTY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MCPEAK,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  foot  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
until  March  24,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability. 

McQuAio,  BARNARD,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I;  Sept.  14, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hos 
pital  from  that  time  until  May,  1863;  May  20,  1863,  detached  for  ser 
vice  in  Invalid  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

MCQUEENEY,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warren,  R.  L; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McTwiGGAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

McVEY,  FELIX,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  359 

McWiNCH,  WILLIAM.     See  William  McAnnich. 

MEDBURT,  MATHEW  C.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Harrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  17,  1863,  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

MELVILLE,  GEOEGE,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  leg  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MELVILLE,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  leg  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MERCHANT,  AMAZIAH,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLEN,  BARNEY,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  H,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

MILLER,  JAMES  M.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLER,  JAMES  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  7,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLER,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLER,  LEPRELET,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  for  service 
on  supply  train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

MILLER,  NATHANIEL  L.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Missing  in  action  Dec. 
13,  1862.  investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  information. 

MILLER,  SAMUEL  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Jan.  24,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLER,  WILLIAM  F.,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  1.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  April  17,  1863,  appointed  Corp. 
Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863, 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILUNGTON,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in 
shoulder  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in 
hospital  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MILLS,  ALEXANDER,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


360  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

MILWAED,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  27,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

MINAHAN.  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MINER,  OLIVER,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Oct. 
13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  in  leg  at 
Fredericksburg  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MINKLER,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out 

MINNIHAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Sept.  26,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I. 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MITCHELL  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  28,  1863,  died  of  disease  at 
regimental  hospital,  Newport  News,  Va. 

MITCHELL,  JESSE  D.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  L;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Feb.,  1863,  until  March  5,  1863,  when  he  died. 

MITCHELL,  JOHN  R.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  died  of 
wounds  received  in  action  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

MITCHELL,  PELEG,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MITCHELL,  RICHARD,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MITCHELL,  STEPHEN  D.  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Bat 
tery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

MOAN,  ARTHUR,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Nov.  20,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MONAGHAN,  CORNELIUS,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MONAGHAN,  JOHN.     See  John  Monnagan. 

MONNAGAN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  borne  on  duty  on 
ammunition  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOON,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  L;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOONEY,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOORE,  EDMUND,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en- 
foiled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  361 

MOEEIS,  ALBERT,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOWRY,  DAVID  C.,  Priv.  Co.  P;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOWRY,  OREN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  from 
March,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MOWRY,  SHADRACK  O.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  21,  1863,  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate  at  Newport  News,  Va. 

MULDOON,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MULLALY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May,  1863,  on  supply  train;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

MULLEN,  HUGH,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  14,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate  from  Portsmouth  Grove  Hospital. 

MULLEN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MULVEY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res,,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MUNGER,  FELIX,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  L;  Aug.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MUNROE,  FITZ  E.  W.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MUNROE,  GEORGE  F.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Oct  13,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mus 
tered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MUNROE,  WILLIAM,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MUNROE,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

MURPHY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  11,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mus 
tered  in;  Jan.  16,  1863,  discharged  for  disability  at  camp  near  Fal- 
mouth,  Va. 

MURRAY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863  mustered  out. 

MUTTON,  GEORGE  T.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec.  1, 
1862,  until  Jan.  7,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  ceiv 
tificate  at  Columbian  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

MYERS,  SAMUEL  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  killed  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va. 


362  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

NAJAC,  MUNSON  H.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  com 
missioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in  Originally  served  as  2d  Lt.; 
Feb.  19,  1863,  promoted  1st  Lt.  Mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mus 
tered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  from  March  1,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

NAYLOR,  ALFRED  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NEFF,  EDWIN  M.,  Priv,  Co.  K;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  6,  1863,  detailed  as  nurse  in  hospital 
and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NEWELL,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  1.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
in  head  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NEWMAN,  CHARLES,  Corp,  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  24,  1863,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NEWMAN,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  9,  1862,  enrolled  at  Westerly,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS  ALBERT  C.,  Corp  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp.  Borne 
on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky,,  from  April  7,  1863,  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS,  CHARLES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  daily  duty  with  am 
munition  train,  from  March  25,  1863,  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on 
detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS,  CHARLES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS,  GEORGE  H,,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  ammunition  train  from 
March  25,  1863,  until  June  14,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS,  Lucius  P.,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NICHOLS,  WILLIAM  F.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NILES,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Res.,  Richmond,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NILES,  JOHN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NOON,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Sept.  11,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  363 

NOONAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  L;  Sept.  28,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.,  1862,  in  Ambulance  Corps; 
Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in  head  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NOBBIS,  THOMAS,  Wagoner  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  ammunition  train 
from  March,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NOBTHUP,  BENJAMIN  \v .  <J.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  L; 
Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1862, 
mustered  out. 

NOBTHUP,  JOHN  JE.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

NOBTHUP,  ROBEBT  F.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Exeter,  R.  x.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NOBTHUP,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  L;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

NYE,  GEOBGE  L.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

OATLEY,  JOHN  R.,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

OATLY,  SAMUEL,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O?BBIEN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded 
in  leg  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O'BBIEN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va., 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  March  24,  1863,  when  he 
returned  to  the  regiment;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O'CoNNELL,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O'DoNNELL,  EDWABD,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Hopkinton, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  7,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

OGDEN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas- 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

OLNEY,  CHABLES  W.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
June  20,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O'NEiL,  JAMES,  JB.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  L;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

O'NEIL,  PATBICK,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  22,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


364  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

O'RiLEY,  JEFFERSON,  Wagoner,  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.,  1862,  detached  for  service 
in  Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

OSGOOD,  SAMUEL,  J.,  Priv.  Co.  D;    Res.,   New  Shoreham,  R.   I.;    Sept.  20, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
OWENS,  FEEDEEIC,  Priv.  Co.   I;    Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled  at  Bast  Greenwich, 

R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  4,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

OWENS,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  11,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 'out. 

PAGE,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PAINE,  ALVIN  H.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.,  1862,  wounded  in  action 
and  Dome  as  sick  in  hospital  until  March  12,  1863,  when  he  was  dis 
charged  for  disability  at  Lovell  General  Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove, 
R.  I. 

PAINE,  EBENEZEB  A.  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled  at  Johnston, 
R.  I.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  at  Washington  D.  C.,  from  Feb.  7, 

1863,  until  July  2,  1863,  when  he  died. 

PALMER,  AMOS,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  30,  1862,  detailed  as  nurse  in 
hospital  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne  as  absent  sick  in  hos 
pital  from  April  9,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PALMER,  THOMAS  P.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  sent  to  hospital 
and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  March  2,  1863,  when  he  was  furloughed 
for  thirty  days;  May  8,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  Invalid  Corps; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PARDY,  HENRY  M.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PAEKER,  ALFRED,  Musician  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Transferred  to  N.  C.  S.  as 
drum  major;  March  1,  1863,  retransf erred  to  Co.  B;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

PARKHURST,  CHARLES  R.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded 
(arm  broken)  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as 
absent  sick  until  Jan.  5,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability. 

PARTELOW,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  14,  1863,  detached  for  ser 
vice  on  supply  train  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on  de 
tached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  365 

PATT,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  H;    Res.,  North  Providence,  R.   I.;    Sept.  25, 

1862,  enrolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   Feb.  18,  1863,  discharged 
for  disability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

PATT,  LUKE  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PATT,  WILUAM  W.  W.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  L;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PATTERSON,  JOHN  A.  C.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
April  8,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PAYNE,  ALVIN  H.      See  Alvin  H.  Paine. 

PAYNE,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  hand 
at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hos 
pital  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PEARCE,  ALONZO,  Priv.  Co.  B.,  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent 
sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PEARCE,  HENRY  W.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  8,  1863,  died  in  Reg't'l 
Hospital  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

PEARCE,  WILLIAM  F.,  Musician  Co.  K;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  with 
Co.  G  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PECK,  HORATIO  N.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  L;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  March  10,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  the  regiment; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PECK,  ASHAEL  A.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PECK,  PELEG  J.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  L;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May  11,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PECKHAM,  FENNER  H.,  JR.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  March 
7,  1863,  enrolled.  Originally  served  as  2d  Lt.  Co.  I;  April  26,  1863, 
transferred  to  Co.  B;  May  27,  1863,  transferred  to  Co.  G;  July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

PECKHAM,  LEANDER,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Middletown,  R.  1.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.,  1862,  until  March  10,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  dis 
ability  at  Baltimore. 

PELKY,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  29,  1862,  until  March,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PELKY,  FRANK,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  'July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


366  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

PENDLETON,  JAMES  M.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862, 
commissioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  2d 
Lt.  Co.  K.  Mustered  out  as  2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date 
from  Dec.  25,  1862;  Dec.,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  B  as  1st  Lt.;  Jan. 
1,  1«63,  detached  as  A.  D.  C.  to  Gen.  Nagle;  March  11,  1863,  died  of 
disease  at  Westerly,  R.  1. 

PENDLETON,  JOHN  P.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded 
in  shoulder  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent 
sick  in  hospital  until  March  27,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate. 

PERKINS,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Freder 
icksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  May  13,  1863,  when  he 
reported  for  duty  from  Patterson  Park  Hospital,  Baltimore,  Md.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PEKKINS,  THOMAS  K.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PERRY,  OLIVER  H.,  Capt.  Co.  H.  Enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13, 
1862,  commissioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

PHETTEPLACE,  AMASA,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Oct.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  23,  1862,  deserted. 

PHETTEPLACE,  JAMES,  Corp.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PHILLIPS,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  21,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May,  1863,  detached  for  service  in 
Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

PHILLIPS,  JOHN  J.,  Capt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
commissioned;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

PHILLIPS,  WILLIAM  R.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  L;  Aug.,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PIERCE.     See  Pearce. 

PIERCE,  CHARLES  S.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PIERCE,  DUTEE  J.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  19,  1863,  detached  on  service 
as  provost  guard  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

PEIRCE,  GEORGE  C.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  20,  1863,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PIERCE,  JOHN  F.,  Sgt.,  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  July 
1,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  367 

PIERCE,  LUTHER  P.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Feb.  8,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May  12,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PIERSON,  JAMES,  Musician  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PLACE,  EDWARD  B.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled  at  Scituate,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  19,  1862,  deserted. 

PLACE,  CHARLES  J.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  27,  1862,  discharged  for  dis 
ability. 

PLACE,  JOHN  T.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PLACE,  WILLIAM  H.  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POLLARD,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  31,  1862,  mus 
tered  in;  Jan.  15,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art.,  and  so 
borne  until  July  10,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  the  12th  R.  1.  Inf.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POLLARD,  JOSEPH,  2d  Lt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Sgt.; 
Dec.  22,  1862,  promoted  2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  such  to  date  from 
Dec.  24,  1862;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to 
hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Feb.,  1863,  wnen  he  returned 
to  duty.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April 
7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May  23,  1863,  resigned. 

POMFORD,  ADAM,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train  and 
so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POTTER,  ASAHAEL  S.  Sgt.,  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POTTER,  CHARLES  H.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.  Co. 
G;  Nov.  27,  1862,  promoted  Sgt.  Maj.  and  mustered  out  as  Sgt.  Maj. 
and  mustered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  from  Dec.  22,  1862.  Assigned  to 
Co.  K.  Promoted  for  gallant  conduct  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg, 
Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POTTER,  CHARLES  A.,  Sgt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POTTER,  EMORY  G.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  27,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

•POTTER,  WILLIAM  H.  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

POTTS,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  1.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


368  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

PEAY,  HENRY  C.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  extra  duty  as  teamster 
from  Dec.,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PEEECE,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PRESTON,  JOSEPH  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  9,  1862,  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate. 

PREW,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  11,  18b2,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  26,  1862,  detached  for  service  on  am 
munition  train  and  so  borne  until  May  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

PRIOR,  FRANK,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PROFFIT,  JAMES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PROSSER,  WILLIAM  M.,  Sgt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as 
Priv.  Promoted  Corp.;  Jan.  1,  1863,  appointed  Sgt.;  May,  1863,  borne 
on  supply  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

PULLEN,  RANDALL,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  1.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.;  March 
1,  1863,  appointed  1st  Sgt;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fredericksburg, 
Va.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  June  18,  1863,  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

QUILL,  HENRY.    See  Henry  Zuill. 

QUINLAN,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely 
wounded  in  leg  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as 
sick  in  hospital  from  that  time  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

RAGAN,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RAMSDEN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RANDALL,  CHARLES  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RANDALL,  CYRUS  S.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  April  29,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disa 
bility  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

RANEY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled; 
Jan.  14,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D,  1st  R.  I.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RATHBURN  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  1.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  369 

READY,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

REDDINGTON,  JAMES,  Corp.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

REDDY,  EDWABD,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

REDDY  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

REDING,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  'iiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  G,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

REGAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  1.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  oii  Co.  C, 
12th  R.  i.  Inf. 

REMINGTON,  HENRY  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  in  Co.  I;  Nov. 
26,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  A;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

REMINGTON,  JOSEPH  H.,  Musician  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

REMINGTON,  THOMAS  E.,  Wagoner  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;   Sept.  30, 

1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Borne  on  detached  service 
at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;   July  29, 

1863,  mustered  out. 

REYNOLDS,  JASON  B.,  Priv.,  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

REYNOLDS,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  C,  12th 
R.  I.  ii.i. 

RICE,  AMBROSE  E.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec.  1, 
1862,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RICE,  EPHRAIM,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RICHARDSON,  ERASTUS,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
22,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached 
service  as  Quartermaster's  clerk  from  Oct.  13,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863. 
Borne  as  absent  on  furlough  from  Feb.  27,  1863,  until  May,  1863; 
May,  1863,  resumed  duties  as  Quartermaster's  clerk  and  so  borne 
until  July;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RICHARDSON  GEORGE  E.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  25,  1862,  died  of  disease  at 
Fairfax  Seminary. 

RICHARDSON,  WALTER  W.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  borne  on  am 
munition  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

24 


370  HISTORY    OF    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

RICHIE,  ROBERT,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as 
provost  guard  from  Nov.  5,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

RICHMOND,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Harrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  15,  1863,  died  in  Car 
ver  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C.,  from  wounds  received  at  the  battle 
of  Predericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862. 

RICHMOND,    SAMUEL  N.,   Sgt.   Co.   A;    Res.,   Hopkinton,   R.    I.;    Sept.    25, 

1862,  enrolled;    Oct.    13,    1862,    mustered    in.      Originally    served    as 
Corp.;   Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RILA,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  P;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RILEY,  JEFFERSON  O.    See  Jefferson  O'Riley. 

RILEY,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  L;  Aug.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  ankle  dislocated  by 
shell  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick 
in  hospital  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RILEY,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RILEY,  SIMON,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Pascoag,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RITCHIE,  DAVID  L.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ROBERTS,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  2,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  1. 
Deserted  prior  to  Nov.  17,  1862. 

ROBERTS,  GEORGE  A.,  Jr.,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept. 
21,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

ROBERTS,  HENRY  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  30,  1862,  detached  as  brigade 
wagoner.  Borne  on  detached  service  as  provost  guard  from  Feb.  16, 

1863,  until  May,  1863;   June,  1863,  borne  as  teamster;   July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ROBERTS,  JOHN  SANDFORD,  1st  Lt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  L;  Sept. 
14,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as 
2d  Lt;  Dec.  24,  1862,  promoted  1st  Lt.;  Jan.  16,  1863,  resigned. 

ROFFEE,  EARL  E.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ROFFEE,  EUGENE  I.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ROGERS,  ABNER,  L.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  871 

ROGERS,  WILLIAM  C.,  Capt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commissioned  1st 
Lt.  Mustered  out  as  1st  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  Capt.  to  date  from 
Nov.  4,  1862.  Borne  on  detached  service  as  provost  marshal  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

ROUNDS,  EZRA  B.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Foster,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ROWE,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  C,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

RYAN,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co  I;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Oct. 
13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RYAN,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

RYAN,  WILLIAM  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as  pro 
vost  guard  at  Div.  Hd.  Qrs.,  from  Feb.  18,  1863,  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SALISBURY,  XVLONZO  F.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  1.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  11,  1863,  died  of  disease  in 
regimental  hospital  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

SALISBURY  ANDREW  J.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SALISBURY,  ARNOLD  F.,  1st  Lt.  Co.  H;  Oct.  13,  1862,  commissioned;  Oct. 
17,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SALISBURY,  JEREMIAH,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as 
brigade  wagoner  from  Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SALISBURY,  WILLIAM  S.,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
22,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SALT,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SANDERSON,  HUMPHRY,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  1.;  Sept.  19, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  26,  1862,  discharged 
on  surgeon  s  certificate  from  Fort  Wood,  N.  Y. 

SANDFORD  GEORGE  I.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  1.;  Sept.  13,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863; 
mustered  out. 

SAUNDERS,  JOSEPH  T\,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Westerly,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded 
in  hand  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  sent  to  hospital.  Re 
joined  the  regiment;  July  Z9,  1863,  mustered  out. 


372  HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

SAYLES,  HENRY  C.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SCOTT,  BENJAMIN  F.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SCOTT,  ELISHA,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Jan.  24, 
1863,  until  May  5,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at 
Portsmouth  Grove  Hospital. 

SCOTT,  WALTER  A.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SCOTT,  WILLIAM  P.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  May,  1863,  detached  to  Invalid  Corps 
and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SEEKELL,  APOLLOS,  JR.,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as 
Priv.;  May  11,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train,  and  so  borne  until 
June,  1863;  July  29,  Ib63,  mustered  out 

SHAIN,  EUGENE  M.     See  Eugene  M.  Thain. 

SHAW,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholas- 
ville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

SHAW,  GEORGE  R.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHAW,  JAMES,  Jr.,  Lt.  Col.;  Dec.  31,  1862,  commissioned.  Mustered  in  to 
date  Jan.  5,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out;  Oct.  27,  1863,  ap 
pointed  Col.  of  the  7th  U.  S.  Col.  Troops  and  mustered  in  as  such 
Nov.  14,  1863.  Bvt.  Brig.  Gen.  for  gallant  and  meritorious  service, 
to  date  March  13,  1865;  Oct.  13,  1866,  mustered  out. 

SHEEN,  DENNIS,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  L;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SHELDON,  HENRY  L.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Dec.  1, 

1862,  until  March,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHELDON,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  L;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  ±3,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  8, 

1863,  until  Feb.  25,  1863,  when  he  died  in  hospital  in  Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

SHERMAN,  CHARLES  E.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  L;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1S63, 
mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  373 

SHERMAN,  DAVID,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  18b2, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  regiment;  May 
12,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHERMAN,  ELISHA  O.,  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Res.  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
July  29,  1862,  mustered  out. 

SHERMAN,  JAMES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasvilie,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SHERMAN  JOHN  F.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  28, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SHERMAN,  MANLY  S.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  L;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  H,  12th 
R.  I.  Inf. 

SHERMAN,  SIMON  G.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHERMAN,  THOMAS,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  1.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  23,  1863,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHERMAN,  WILLIAM  N.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  arm 
"  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick 
until  March  14,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certi 
ficate. 

SHIPPEE,  JAMES  F.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  West  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Jan.  24  1863,  until  April  22,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  the  reg 
iment;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SHRIAR,  JOSEPH,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Sept.  24, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SIMMONS,  GEORGE  W.,  Sgt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded 
in  leg  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  that 
time  until  March  5,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at 
Lovell  General  Hospital,  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I. 

SIMMONS,  ISAAC  S.,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SIMMONS,  SAMUEL  C.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SIMMONS  WILLIAM  E.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  brigade  blacksmith 
from  April  28,  1863,  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


374  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

SIMMS,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in  leg  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until 
July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SLADE,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  April  8, 
1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SLOCUM,  ALBERT  A.,  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  duty  in  Ambulance 
Corps  from  Nov.  4,  1862,  until  April,  1863.  Borne  on  detached 
service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SLOCUM,  ALEXIS,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SLOCUM,  EDMUND  D.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SLOCUM,  JUDSON  B.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  ALBERT  A.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  BENJAMIN  P.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Feb.  8,  1863,  until  March  10,  1863,  when  he  died  of  disease  at 
Newport  News,  Va. 

SMITH,  CHARLES  B.,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Originally  served  as  Priv.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  BDSON  B.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability. 

SMITH,  EDWARD,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SMITH  FRANCIS,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  May  11,  1863,  when  he  was  returned  to  duty. 
Muster  out  roll  of  Co.  dated  July  29,  1863,  has  remark  "Not  re 
ported  for  muster  out."  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further  infor 
mation. 

SMITH,  FREDERICK  H.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  hand 
at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
until  Feb.,  1863.  Considered  a  deserter  from  Feb.  28,  1863. 

SMITH,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  18,  1862,  discharged  on  surgeon's 
certificate  at  Fort  Wood  Hospital,  N.  Y. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  375 

SMITH,  GEORGE  F.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  JAMES  M.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SMITH,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  19,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  (left  arm  shot  off) 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
that  time  until  April  22,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability 
at  Washington,  D.  C. 

SMITH,  MOSES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept  12,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  1;  Sept.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  1,  1862,  deserted. 

SMITH,  TERRENCE,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv. 
Borne  on  detached  service  from  Feb.,  1863,  until  April,  1863;  July  it), 
1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  THEODORE  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  10,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cranston,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SMITH,  THOMAS  P.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM  R.,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPAULDING,  EZRA  K.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Pascoag,  R.  I.;  Aug.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPELLACY,  MICHAEL,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Oct.  4,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  1,  1863,  appointed  Corp.;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

SPENCER,  EDWABD  W.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  1.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPENCER,  JAMES  L.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SPENCER,  JOHN  T.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  29,  1863,  discharged 
for  disability. 


376  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

SPENCER  NATHANIEL,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

SPENCER,  WILLIAM  I.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPENCER,  WILLIAM  C.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SPERRY,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Sept.  24,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPINK,  GEORGE  A.,  Capt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  9,  1862,  commissioned;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPINK,  GEORGE  T.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  12,  1863,  died  of 
disease  at  Newport  News,  Va. 

SPRAGUE,  BENJAMIN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  March  26,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SPRAGUE,  BENJAMIN,  3d,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
29,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mus 
tered  out. 

SPRAGUE,  CIVILIAN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in,  Dec.  13,  1862,  killed  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

SPRAGUE,  SENNACA,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SPRINGER,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

STAPLES,  JOSEPH  H.,  Priv.  Co.  P;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detacehd  service  at 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

STARRS,  PATRICK,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Oct.  14,  1862,  enrolled  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.; 
Feb.  7,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

STEDMAN,  HARRISON,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

STETSON,  GEORGE  W.     See  George  W.  Stutson. 

STINAL,  CHARLES.    See  Charles  Stindee. 

STINDEE,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

STINDEL,  CHARLES.     See  Charles  Stindee. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  377 

STOW,  LORENZO,  Corp.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  16,  1863,  died  in  regimental 
hospital  at  camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

STBAIT,  JOHN  T.,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  1.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

STRAIGHT  OLIVER,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  22,  1862,  died  in  hos 
pital  opposite  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

STUDDARD,  WILLIAM.     See  William  Suddard. 

STUDLEY,  JAMES  L.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

STUTSON,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  June  3,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's 
certificate. 

SUDDARD,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SUESMAN,  ALBERT  L.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  m;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SULLIVAN,  MICHAEL,  Musician  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SULLIVAN,  TIMOTHY,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SUTLIFF,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D, 
1st  R.  I.  Art.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  returned  to 
the  12th  R.  I.  Vols.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SUTCLIFFE,  ROGER  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in 
foot  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick 
in  hospital  until  May,  1863;  May  8,  1863,  detached  to  Invalid  Corps 
and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SWEET,  ANSEL  L.,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SWEET,  CHARLES  J.,  Sgt.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Smithfield,  R.  L;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

SWEETLAND,  JAMES  L.,  Jr.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  12, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

SWEETLAND,  SAMUEL  M.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  L;  Sept.  19, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

TABER,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Exeter,  R.  L;  Sept.  24,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  Feb.  7, 
1863, -until  May  20,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  disability  at 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


378  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

TABEB,  GEORGE  H.,  1st.  Lt.  Co.  D;  Oct.  13,  1862,  commissioned;  Oct.  13, 
1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  2d  Lt.  Mustered  out  as 
2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  1st  Lt.  to  date  from  Dec.  25,  1862;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TABEB,  LEMUEL  W.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

TAFT,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  14,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Missing  after  the  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862;  March  25,  1863,  discharged  for  disability. 

TANNER,  CHARLES  X,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TANNER,  CLARK  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  1.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TANNER,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  June  12,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  sur 
geon's  certificate. 

TATTERSALL,  ROGER,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  15,  1863,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TAYER,  JOHN  W.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TAYLOR,  CYRUS,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13  1862,  mustered  in.  Not  borne  on  rolls  of  Co.  subsequent  to 
muster-in. 

TAYLOR,  ELISHA  I.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TAYLOR,  ISAAC,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TAYLOR,  THOMAS  R.,  SR.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
12,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hos 
pital  from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  May  25,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged 
on  surgeon's  certificate  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

TAYLOR,  THOMAS  R.,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Dec.  1,  1862,  until  Jan.  13,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate. 

TAYLOR,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Sept.  13,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TENNANT,  EZRA  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  17,  1863,  detailed  as  provost 
guard  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TETROE,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  379 

TEW,  BROWNING  G.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  borne  on  ammunition 
train.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April 
7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TEW,  ELISHA  G.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  1.;  Sept  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

TEW,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  29,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  at 
Washington  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  Jan.  5,  1863,  when  he 
died  at  Lincoln  Hospital,  Washington. 

TEW,  JOHN  W.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Charlestown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  8,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  May,  1863.  Borne  on  detached  service 
with  Invalid  Corps  from  May,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

THAIN,  EUGENE  M.,  Sgt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  14,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  June  29,  1863,  promoted  Sergt., 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THILE,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THOMAS,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June,  1863,  borne  as  teamster; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THOMPSON,  ANDREW  C.,  Sgt.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  16,  1863.  detached  as 
provost  guard,  2d  Div.  9th  A.  C.  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THOMPSON,  LYMAN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THORNTON,  CYRUS  M.,  Sgt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.;  April 
1,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THORNTON,  JOHN  E.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THURBER,  EDMOND  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War 
Dept.  as  of  Co.  C,  12th  R.  I.  Inf.  Investigation  fails  to  elicit  further 
information. 

THURBER,  SAMUEL  P.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

THURBER,  STEPHEN  I.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  in  side 
at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as 
absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


880  HISTORY    OP    THB   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

TIBBITTS,  HORACE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

TILLEY,  EDWIN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
March  26,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TIILLINGHAST,  HENRY  M.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  D;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Origi 
nally  served  in  Co.  C,  4th  Reg't;  Dec.  12,  1862,  commissioned  2d  Lt. 
Co.  D,  12th  Reg't,  and  assigned  to  this  Co.  Feb.  15,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

TILLINGHAST,  ISAAC,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Sept.  27,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  severely  in 
shoulder  and  side  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  sent  to  hos 
pital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  May,  1863.  Borne  on  detached 
service  in  Invalid  Corps  from  May  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29, 
1863,  mustered  out. 

TILLINGHAST,  JOHN  A.,  Corp.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Exeter,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TILLINGHAST,  PARDON  E.,  Q.  M.  Sgt;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

TINKHAM,  THOMAS,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  died  in  hospital  at 
camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

TOMPKINS,  WINFIELD  S.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TOOMEY,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  1.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted. 

TOST,  CHARLES.     See  Charles  Yost. 

TOURGEE,  GEORGE  R.,  Musician  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May  1,  1863  died  of  disease  at 
Richmond,  Ky. 

TOURTELLOT,  CASsius,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Pascoag,  R.  1.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  supply  train  from 
May  11,  1863,  until  June,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TRAINER,  JOHN,  Corp.  Co.  H;  Sept.  18,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TRAINER,  MICHAEL,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  6,  1863,  discharged  for  dis 
ability. 

TRAVERS,  FRANCIS,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  ammunition  train  from 
March  25,  1863,  until  June  14,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TRIPE,  SAMUEL  B.,  Corp.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  8,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  381 

TUCKER,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  24,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TURNER,  CHARLES  P.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Oct.  3,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

TURNER,  JOHN,  1st  Lt.  and  Adj.,  F  and  S;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  8,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  25,  1862,  resigned. 

TYLER,  EBENEZER  C.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March,  1863,  borne  on  ammu 
nition  train;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

TYLER,  HENRY  O.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

TYLER,  JOHN  H.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

VAUGHN,  ALBERT  A.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  borne  as  sick  in  hospital 
from  Jan.  26,  1863,  until  April  20,  1863,  when  he  reported  for  duty; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

VERY,  HENRY  B.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  North  Kingstown,  R.  L;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Predericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
from  that  time  until  March  22,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on 
surgeon's  certificate. 

VICARS,  JOHN  G.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Predericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

VICKERY,  ROBERT  M.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WAHLER,  A.  PRANK,  Musician  Co.  I;  Sept.,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862, 
mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Priv.  Co.  B;  June  18,  1863,  sent 
to  hospital  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863,  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WAITE,  STEPHEN  C.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WAKEFIELD,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Glocester,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WALDRON,  WILLIAM  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


382  HISTORY    OF   THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

WALKEK,  HENRY,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  sick  in  hospital  until 
March  31,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate. 

WALKER,  LYSANDER  B.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
30,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WALSH,  MICHAEL,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct. 
8,  1862,  enrolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co. 
H,  12th  R.  1.  Inf. 

WARD,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WARDWELL,  JAMES  D.,  JR.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Bristol,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WATERMAN,  ELISHA  P.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WATSON,  HENRY  H.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  29,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  9,  1863,  until  May,  1863,  May  20,  1863,  detached  for  service  in 
Invalid  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WATSON,  LEWIS  A.,  Wagoner  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Oct.  15,  1862,  until  Jan.,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WEATHERHEAD,  AMASA,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WEAVER,  GEORGE,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Aug.  26,  1862,  enrolled  at  Burrillville,  R.  1.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Furloughed  for  sixty  days  from  Dec.  29, 

1862.  Borne  as  absent  sick  from  Feb.   7,  1863,   until  June  5,  1863, 
when    he   was    discharged    on   surgeon's    certificate    from    Eckington 
Hospital. 

WEAVER,  GEORGE  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and 
borne  as  absent  sick  until  Jan.,  1863;  Jan.  15,  1863,  detached  to  Bat 
tery  D,  1st  R.  I.  L.  A.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  from 
Jan.  25,  1863,  until  March  15,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  dis 
ability. 

WEAVER,  JOHN  H.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  13,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  1st  Sgt.; 
April  17,  1863,  promoted  2d  Lt.  Mustered  out  as  1st  Sgt.,  April  30, 

1863,  and  mustered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  April  26,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered   out. 

WEAVER,  JONATHAN  R.,  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Warwick,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WEBB,  CHARLES  H.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Johnston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  m'ustered  in;  Feb.  12,  1863,  died  of  disease 
at  Washington,  D.  C. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  383 

WEBB,  GEORGE  A.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  20,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  detached  to  Battery  D, 
1st  R.  I.  L.  A.,  and  so  borne  until  July  12,  1863,  when  he  returned  to 
the  12th  R.  I.  Vols.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WEBB,  THOMAS  C.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;   Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
WEEDEN,  SAMUEL  E.,  Corp  Co.   I;   Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.   I.;   Sept.  17, 
1862,   enrolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;    July  29,   1863,   mustered 
out. 

WELCH,  JAMES,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  2,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  21,  1862,  deserted  at  Provi 
dence,  R.  1. 

WELDEN,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  30,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital 
until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WEST,  GEOEGE  M.,  Priv.  Co.  E;    Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;   Sept.   23,  1862,  en 
rolled;    Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;   March,  1863,  detached  on  supply 
train  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
WESTCOTT,  BOWEN,  Musician  Co.  D;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Oct.  9,  1862, 

enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
WESTCOTT,  EDWARD  V.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;   Sept.  21,  1862, 
enrolled;   Oct.   13,  1862,  mustered  in.     Originally  served  as   Sgt.  Co. 
D;   April  17,  1863,  commissioned  2d  Lt.;   April  26,  1863,  assigned  to 
Co.  E;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHIFFLE,  ARLON  M.,  Sgt.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  L;  Sept.  17, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  i3,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WHIFFLE,  BARTON  J.,  Corp.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  L;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  1,  1863,  promoted  Corp.;  May 
12,  1863,  detached  on  supply  train  and  so  borne  until  June,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHIFFLE,  CHARLES  F.,  Sgt.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
March  7,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  Jan.,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne 
as  absent  sick  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
WHIFFLE,  EDWARD  M.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Res.,  North  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept. 
19,  1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  19,  1862,  detailed 
for  duty  in  Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  April,  1863;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHIFFLE,  EDWIN  M.     See  Edward  M.  Whipple. 

WHIFFLE,  JAMES  C.,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  wagon  master  from 
Oct.  24,  1862,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
WHIFFLE,  JAMES  L.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
May  1,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


384  HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

WHIPPLE,  LOWREY,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  Scituate,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHIPPLE,  LYMAN,  Sgt.  Co.  P;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.; 
June  24,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHIPPLE,  NATHANIEL  B.,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  8, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt.; 
April  26,  1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt.  Borne  as  Brig,  clerk  from  March 
27,  1863,  until  April,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITE,  ANAN,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITE,  CHRISTOPHER  T.,  Corp.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  23,  1862,  appointed  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITE,  JOHN  H.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  30,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITE,  PARDON  B.,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Little  Compton,  R.  1.;  Sept.  11,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Feb.  16,  1863,  detached  as  provost 
guard  and  so  borne  until  May,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITE,  WILLIAM  H.,  Corp.  Co.  I;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITING,  JOSEPH  C.,  JR.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  at  Sgt.;  Jan. 
1,  1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt;  May  23,  1863,  commissioned  2d  Lt.;  June 
30,  1863,  mustered  in  as  2d  Lt.  to  date  June  2,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WHITING,  SAMUEL  S.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  1, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent 
sick  in  hospital  until  Jan.  15,  1863,  when  he  died  at  Portsmouth  Grove 
Hospital  from  effects  of  wounds. 

WHITMAN,  HIRAM,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Sept.  22,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Missing  since  the  battle  of 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1862. 

WHITMAN,  JASPER  C.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  Fred 
ericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  in  hospital  until  July,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WHITMARSH,  LEANDER  F.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled  at  North 
Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WICKES,  WILLIAM  L.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  7,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  severely  wounded 
in  thigh  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick 
in  hospital  until  April,  1863;  April,  1863,  detached  for  service  in  In 
valid  Corps  and  so  borne  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WIGHT,  CHARLES  A.,  Sgt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Pascoag,  R.  I.;  Aug.  22,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  385 

WIGHT,  WILLIAM  H.     See  William  H.  White. 

WILBUK,  EDWAKD  J.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  23,  1862,  killed  by  accident  on 
railroad. 

WILBUR,  SAMUEL  G.,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Scituate,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from  April  17,  1863,  until  June, 
1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILCOX,  HORATIO  N.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Tiverton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  10,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  at 
Nicholasville,  Ky.,  from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WILCOX,  WILLIAM,  Priv.  Co.  I;  Res.,  Exeter,  R.  I.;  Sept.  15,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  2,  1862,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne  as 
absent  sick  until  March  24,  1863,  when  he  returned  to  regiment;  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILDER,  FRANK  J.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  Foster,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.,  1863,  sent  to  hospital,  2d  Div. 
9th  A.  C.  A.  of  P.,  Windmill  Point,  Va.,  and  borne  as  absent  sick  until 
Jan.  26,  1863,  when  he  died. 

WILLETT,  PETER,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  26,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863.  Rejoined  the  regiment;  July  29,  1863, 
mustered  out. 

WILLIAMS,  EDWIN  P.,  Priv.  Co.  H;  Sept.  23,  1862,  enrolled  at  North  Provi 
dence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  27,  1863,  deserted. 
Arrested  and  sent  to  the  7th  R.  I.  Reg't  to  serve  out  term;  Dec.  13, 
1863,  taken  up  on  rolls  of  Co.  C,  7th  Reg't.  Records  of  the  7th  R.  I. 
Inf.  state  that  Edwin  P.  Williams  was  mustered  out  of  Co.  H,  12th 
R.  I.  Inf.  Sept.  20,  1864. 

WILLIAMS,  GILBERT  O.,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Burrillville,  R.  I.;  Aug.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Nov.  1,  1862,  detached  for  ser 
vice  in  Ambulance  Corps  and  so  borne  until  March,  1863;  March  11, 
1863,  died  of  disease  in  hospital  at  Newport  News,  Va. 

WILLIAMS,  JAMES  A.,  2d.  Lt.  Co.  H;  Res.,  Pawtucket,  R.  1.;  Sept.  24,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt;  June 
3,  1863,  promoted  to  2d  Lt.  to  date  from  June  1,  1863.  Mustered  in 
as  2d  Lt.  to  date  from  June  15,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILLIAMS,  STEPHEN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  Newport,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILLIS,  MOSES  A.,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Warren,  R.  I.;  Sept.  19,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILMARTH,  JERRY,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Oct.  3,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in  hand  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WILMARTH,  JOSEPH,  1st  Sgt.  Co.  F;  Sept.  25,  1862,  enrolled  at  Cumberland, 
R.  I.;   Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.   Originally  served  as  Sgt.;   March  7, 
1863,  promoted  1st  Sgt;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 
25 


386  HISTORY    OF    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 

WILSON,  GEORGE,  Musician  Co.  F;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Oct.  14,  deserted  at  Providence, 
R.  I. 

WILSON,  WILLIAM,  1st.  Sgt.  Co.  G;  Sept.  17,  1862,  enrolled  at  Warwick, 
R.  I.;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Corp.  Co.  I; 
Jan.  1,  1863,  promoted  Sgt.  and  transferred  to  Co.  G;  April  17,  1863, 
promoted  1st  Sgt.  Borne  on  detached  service  at  Nicholasville,  Ky., 
from  April  7,  1863,  until  July,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WINCHESTER,  CHARLES  M.,  2d  Lt.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Originally  served  as  Sgt; 
May  29,  1863,  commissioned  2d  Lt.  and  mustered  in  as  such  to  date 
June  15,  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WINSLOW,  AMBROSE,  Priv.  Co.  K;  Res.,  East  Providence,  R.  I.;  Sept.  30, 
1862,  enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered 
out. 

WINSLOW,  FERDINAND,  Priv.  Co.  E;  Res.,  Barrington,  R.  I.;  Sept.  27,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  March  25,  1863,  detached  on  am 
munition  train  and  so  borne  until  June  15,  1863,  when  he  returned  to 
regiment;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WOOD,  GEORGE  W.,  Priv.  Co.  A;  Res.,  East  Greenwich,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Jan.  15,  1863,  died  of  disease  at 
camp  near  Falmouth,  Va. 

WOOD,  HORACE  B.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Coventry,  R.  I.;  Sept.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled.  Name  not  found  on  rolls  of  War  Dept.  as  of  Co.  G,  12th  R.  I. 
Inf. 

WOOD,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.  Portsmouth,  R.  I.;  Sept.  17,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  1,  1862,  until  July  29,  1863,  when  he  joined  the  regiment  and  was 
mustered  out. 

WOOD,  PHARES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  16,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WOODBURY,  CHARLES  H.,  Corp.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Oct.  10,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  May  1,  1862,  promoted  Corp.; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WOODWARD,  ALBERT  A.,  Sgt.  Co.  K;  Res.,  Pascoag,  R.  I.;  Aug.  21,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  Dec.  13,  1862,  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

WORDEN,  WILLIAM  D.,  Priv.  Co.  G;  Res.,  Hopkinton,  R.  I.;  Sept.  23,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Feb.  8,  1863,  until  June  25,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  from  insane 
hospital  by  order. 

WRIGHT,  JOHN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Res.,  New  Shoreham,  R.  I.;  Sept.  25,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  as  sick  in  hospital  from 
Dec.  29,  1862,  until  April  3,  1863,  when  he  was  discharged  for  dis 
ability  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

WRIGHT,  WILLIAM  H.     See  William  H.  White. 


RHODE    ISLAND    VOLUNTEERS  387 

WYMAN,  JOHN  K.,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  11,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in.  Borne  on  detached  service  as 
provost  guard  2d  Div.  9th  A.  C.  from  Feb.  16,  1863,  until  May,  1863; 
July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

YELDING,  AUSTIN,  Priv.  Co.  D;  Oct.  7,  1862,  enrolled  at  Providence,  R.  I.; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

YOST,  CHARLES,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  South  Kingstown,  R.  I.;  Sept.  9,  1862, 
enrolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

YOUNG,  FRANCIS,  Priv.  Co.  F;  Res.,  Cumberland,  R.  I.;  Sept.  4,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

YOUNG,  WILLIAM  F.,  Priv.  Co.  B;  Res.,  Cranston,  R.  I.;  Sept.  18,  1862,  en 
rolled;  Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 

ZUILL,  HENBY,  Priv.  Co.  C;  Res.,  Providence,  R.  I.;  Oct.  6,  1862,  enrolled; 
Oct.  13,  1862,  mustered  in;  June  19,  1863,  sent  to  hospital  and  borne 
as  absent  sick  until  July  1863;  July  29,  1863,  mustered  out. 


BATTLE   FLAG  OF  THE  TWELFTH   RHODE   ISLAND  VOLUNTEERS. 


INDEX 


Abbott,  John  P.,  Capt,  58,  130,  276.  \ 
Adams,  George  W.,  Lieut.,  232. 
Adams,  Silas,  Lieut.-Col.,  119. 
Alexander,    Christopher    H.,    Capt, 

58,   130,   144,   186,   254. 
Allard,  Thomas  B.,  Col.,  55,  56. 
Allen,    James    H.,    Capt.,    130,    165, 

189,  254. 

Andrews,  Charles  H.,  215. 
Andrews,    Stephen   H.,    Capt.,    55. 
Armington,  James  H.,  Col.,  129. 
Arnold,  William,  305. 
Arnold,  William  A.,  Capt.,  50. 
Austin,  George  W.,   177. 
Atwell,  Samuel  Y.,  Hon.,  303. 
Babbitt,  John  W.,  Col.,  55,  56. 
Babcock,  Samuel,  Sergt.,  141. 
Bacon,   Edward   F.,  Lieut.,   58,   130, 

208. 

Baker,  Charles  M.,  Hon.,  304. 
Ballou,    Daniel   R.,   Lieut.,    58,    135, 

144,  163,  180,  242,  276,  292. 
Ballou,    Francisco    M.,    Lieut,    78, 

130,   142,   280. 

Barksdale,  William,  Gen.,  25,  46. 
Belcher,  Andrew  M.,  15,  78. 
Beauregard,  Pierre  G.  T.,  Gen.,  279. 
Berry,  Nathaniel  S.,  Gov.,  19. 
Birney,  David  B.,  Gen.,  53. 
Bland,  Elbert,  Lieut.-Col.,  47. 
Bliss,  Zenas  R.,  Col.,  55,  56. 
Bloodgood,    Horace    S.,    Lieut.,    50, 

231. 

Boone,  Daniel,  96,  99,  112,  192,  251. 
Bowen,  James  A.,  Lieut.,  130. 
Bowen,  Nicholas,   104. 
Boyle,  Jeremiah  T.,  Gen.,  123,  124. 
Braddock,  Edward,  Gen.,  96. 


Brainard,  Wesley,  Capt,  27. 

Bramlette,  J.  T.,  153. 

Breckinridge,  John  P.,  Gen.,  251. 

Briggs,  H.  S.,  Gen.,  42. 

Briggs,  Richard  A.,  Lieut,  58,  276. 

Brooks,  W.  T.  H.,  Gen.,  42. 

Brown,  D.  Russell,  Hon.,  287. 

Brown,  Edward  P.,  Capt,  268. 

Brown,  John,  128. 

Browne,  Chad,  303. 

Browne,  George  H.,  Col.,  6,  20,  38, 
55,  56,  57,  58,  76,  107,  11,  115,  130, 
131,  137,  140,  142,  147,  149,  151, 
154,  157,  159,  160,  171,  181,  188, 
198,  227,  230,  238,  239,  241,  243, 
248,  250,  253,  256,  257,  258,  259, 
262,  263,  264,  268,  273,  276,  277, 
303,  304. 

Browne,  Keyes  D.,  304. 

Browning,  Beriah  G.,  Lieut.,  130, 
212. 

Browning,  Robert,  285. 

Bryan,  William,  284. 

Buchanan,    James,    President,    303. 

Buckley,  William  W.,  Capt,  55,  59. 

Bucklin,  George,  Lieut.,  58,  130. 

Buckner,  Simon  B.,  Gen.,  106,  114, 
116,  117. 

Burgess,  Jesse  W.,  Sergt.,  58. 

Burns,  William  W.,  Gen.,  52. 

Burnside,  Ambrose  E.,  Gen.,  3,  21, 
22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  29,  30,  33, 
44,  45,  49,  51,  52,  53,  58,  69,  70, 
72,  73,  81,  82,  86,  95,  96,  101,  105, 
108,  110,  111,  115,  116,  118,  119, 
122,  123,  124,  126,  129,  132,  137, 
138,  139,  143,  161,  162,  164,  174, 
181,  202,  203,  209,  246,  256,  277. 


390 


HISTORY    OP    THE   TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


Bush,   Mr.,   251,   252. 

Cabell,  Henry  Coalter,  Col.,  45,  46. 

Caldwell,   John   C.,  Gen.,   36. 

Carpenter,  Adelaide   (Everett),  307. 

Carpenter,  Benoni,  Surgeon,  130, 
307,  308. 

Carpenter,  Caleb,  307. 

Carpenter,  Frank  H.,  307. 

Carpenter,    Hannah    (George),    307. 

Carpenter,  William,  305. 

Carter,  Jesse  M.,  Capt.,  120,  121. 

Carter,  J.  W.,  Col.,  46. 

Carter,  Samuel  P.,  Gen.,  95,  100, 
101,  106,  108,  111,  112,  114,  118, 
119,  120,  121,  152,  153,  253,  255. 

Casey,  Silas,  Gen.,  9,  10,  18,  199, 
239,  263,  265,  305. 

Chappell,   Matthew   N.,   Lieut.,   130. 

Cheney,  Edward  S.,  Capt,  58. 

Clark,  William  S.,  Col.,  55. 

Clarke,  John  L.,  Lieut.  (Quarter 
master),  78,  80,  130,  225,  238. 

Clarke,  William  H.,  200. 

Clay,  Henry,  88,  89,  90,  101,  145, 
187,  188. 

Clay,  James,  89,  187. 

Clay,  John,  89,  90. 

Clarke,  R.  S.,  Col.,  126. 

Cleveland,    Grover,   President,   284. 

Cobb,  Thomas  R.,  Gen.,  41,  46,  47, 
48,  219. 

Coffin,  Carleton  C.  C.,  27,  41. 

Cole,  Luther,  Jr.,  Lieut,  58,  130. 

Cook,  B.  F.,  Col.,  47. 

Cooke,    George   Lewis,    Gen.,    136. 

Coombs,  Leslie,  Gen.,  188,  250. 

Couch,  Darius  N.,  Gen.,  34,  37,  43, 
50,  54,  73,  231. 

Craft,  General,  193. 

Crawford,  R.  Clay,  Capt.,  153,   154. 

Cullum,  George  W.,   Gen.,  23,  25. 

Cuthbert,  G.   B.,  Capt.,   47. 

Cutts,  J.  M.,  Capt.,  53. 

Danforth,  Keyes,  304. 

Davis,  George  F.,  128. 

Davis,  Jefferson,  1. 

Dean,  Sidney,  Hon.,  197,  198. 

Dearth,  John  W.,  128. 


Delanah,    Albert    W.,     Lieut.,    130, 

198,  214. 

Denison,   Frederic,   286. 
De  Saussure,  W.  D.,  Col.,  47. 
De  Russey,  Gustavus  A.,  28. 
De   Volve,    Warren    N.,    Sergt,    58, 

276. 

Dexter,  Theodore  F.,  225. 
Dickenson,    George,    Lieut.,    37,    50, 

54,   55. 
Dix,   John  A.,  Gen.,  73,   77,  80,  82, 

139,  141,  149,  183,  247. 
Doull,   Alexander,   Major,   50. 
Duke,  Basil  W.,  Gen.,  126. 
Durell,  George  W.,  Capt.,  148. 
Dwight,    Gamaliel   L.,   Lieut.,   269. 
Dyer,  Cyrus  G.,  Major,  15,  57,  130, 

149,  150,  273. 
Eddy,      Amasa      F.,      Commissary 

Sergt,  242. 

Egan,  John,  Lieut.,  55. 
Ellsworth,  Elmer  E.,  Col.,  200,  241. 
Ericsson,  John,  182. 
Fales,  Edmund  W.,  Lieut.,  130,  165. 
Ferrero,   Edward,   Gen.,   35,   37,   38, 

42,   54,   55,   56. 
Field,  David,  308. 
Field,  Edward,  4. 
Field,  Elizabeth  (Earl),  308. 
Field,  Phebe,  308. 
Field,  Samuel  W.,  Rev.  (Chaplain), 

130,  147,  200,  211,  222,  242,   308. 
Fiser,  John  C.,  Col.,  46. 
Fisher,  Amanda    (Potter),  306. 
Fisher,  James,  306. 
Fletcher,      Samuel     M.,      Assistant 

Surgeon,  130. 

Frank,  John  D.,  Capt.,  51,  232. 
Franklin,  William  B.,  Gen.,  24,  27, 

34,   35,   41,   42,   43,   49,   50,   51,   52, 

53,  59,  70,  138,  204,  245,  271,  273, 

274,  275. 
French,   William   H.,    Gen.,    34,    36, 

41,  43,  44,  59. 

Fry,  Thomas  W.,  Surgeon,  124. 
Getty,  George  W.,  Gen.,  42,  44,  54, 

56,  231. 
Goddard,  Robert  H.  I.,  Col.,  53. 


INDEX 


391 


Goggin,  James  M.,  Major,  46,  48. 
Good,  James  J.,  Corp.,  14. 
Grant,  Joseph  W.,  3,  189,  253. 
Grant,    Ulysses    S.,    Gen.,    85,    110, 

151,  152,  160,  253. 
Greene,  John,  305. 
Greer,  David  H.,  Dr.,  304. 
Griffin,  Charles,  Gen.,  55. 
Griffin,   Simon  G.,   Col.,   55,   56,   93, 

107,  111,  141,  147,  189. 
Grigsby,   J.   Warren,   Col.,   115. 
Gurry,  Edward  F.,  223. 
Hall,  Norman  J.,  Gen.,  28. 
Halleck,  Henry  W.,  Gen.,  24,  30,  73, 

82,  85,  95,  110,  126. 
Hancock,  Winfield  S.,  Gen.,  34,  36, 

41,  43,  44,  59. 

Hanson,  Charles  S.,  Col.,  121,  122. 
Hardie,  James  A.,  Gen.,  53. 
Harriman,  Walter,  Col.,  55. 
Harris,  William,  305. 
Hartranft,  John  F.,  Gen.,  55. 
Hartsuff,  George  L.,  Gen.,  112,  114, 

115,  116,   117,   118,  120,   121,   123, 

124. 

Hays,  William,  Lieut.-Col.,  28. 
Hazard,  John  G.,  Capt.,  50,  51,  231, 

232. 

Hendershot,  Robert  H.,  202. 
Higley,   J.   P.,  Capt.,   119,   120,   121, 

228,  229,  230. 
Hobson,  Edward  H.,  Gen.,  117,  119, 

123,  124,  125. 
Holcombe,  Dr.,   264. 
Hooker,    Joseph,    Gen.,    24,    27,    44, 

55,  70,  71,  72,  73,  74,  137,  138,  204, 

232,   246,  275. 
Hopkins,    Stephen    M.,    Lieut.,    58, 

165,  276. 

House,  Erwin,  Rev.,  128,  209,  210. 
Howard,  Oliver  O.,  Gen.,  30,  42,  44. 
Hubbard,  William  E.,  Capt.,  58,  78, 

130,  142,  185,  270,  279. 
Humphreys,    Andrew    A.,    Gen.,    42, 

44,  51,  59,  231,  275. 
Humphreys,  Lewis  H.,  130. 
Huntington,    Samuel,    Judge,    303. 
Hunt,  Henry  J.,  Gen.,  27,  49,  51. 


Hutchins,  Robert  A.,  Capt.,  56. 

Hutchinson,   Prosper  K.,   Dr.,  244. 

Jackson,  Thomas  J.,  Gen.,  22. 

Jenckes,  Arnold  A.,  9. 

Jenkins,  N.  H.,  219. 

Johns,  Bishop,  264. 

Judah,  H.  M.,  Gen.,  116,  118,  119. 

Kasserow,  Capt.,  50. 

Kautz,  Augustus  V.,  Col.,  108,  114, 

117,  127. 

Kelton,  J.  C.,  Col.,  73. 
Kennedy,  J.  D.,  Col.,  47. 
Kershaw,  Joseph  B.,  Gen.,  47,  48. 
Kimball,  Moranda,  5. 
Kimball,  Nathan,  Gen.,  36,  43. 
King,  William  H.,  Lieut.,  130,  281. 
Lapham,  Oscar,  Capt,  130,  165,  198, 

215,  244,  261. 

Lawton,  George  F.,  Lieut.,  58,   276. 
Lee,  Robert,  Gen.,  21,  22,  26,  28,  45, 

59,    138,    158,    160,    163,    203,    237, 

261,  270,  277. 
Lidgewood,  Mrs.,  304. 
Lincoln,  Abraham,  President,  3,  71, 

138,  163,  167,  224. 
Lindsey,   William  H.,   Sergt.-Major, 

5,  6. 

Longfellow,  Henry  W.,  212. 
Longstreet,  James,  Gen.,  22,  23,  35, 

41,  42,  43,  59. 
Longstreet,    James    M.,    Capt.,    130, 

151,  177,  198,  204,  219,  268,  273. 
Lossing,  Benson  J.,  43. 
Luce,   William  H.,   Lieut-Col.,   46. 
Lydig,  P.  M.,  Capt,  52,  53. 
Manchester,  Theodore  A.,   211,   212, 

214. 

Mason,  Rodney,  Gen.,  193. 
Mason,  William,  205,  206,  220. 
Matteson,  Lewis  J.,  215. 
McClellan,   George   B.,    Gen.,    4,    21, 

163. 

McKinley,  William,  President,   285. 
McLaws,    Lafayette,    Gen.,    45,    46, 

47. 

McMillan,  Robert,   Col.,  47,  48. 
Meade,  George  G.,  Gen.,  35,  36,  51, 

52,  53,  59. 


392 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


Merrill,  Mr.,  225,  226. 

Meagher,  Thomas  F.,   Gen.,   34,   36, 

44,    205,   220. 

Meigs,   Montgomery  C.,   Gen.,   23. 
Milne,    Joseph    S.,    Lieut.,    50,   231. 
Mindil    George,  Col.,  240,  263. 
Monaghan,  Cornelius,  5. 
Moore,  Colonel,  226,  227. 
Morgan,  Charles  H.,  Col.,  50. 
Morgan,    John    H.,    Gen.,    105,    111, 

112,    115,    116,   117,    118,    119,    120, 

121,    122,    123,    124,    125,    126,    127, 

155,   158,   159,    160,    161,   162,   193, 

209,    210,    226,   227,    251,    254,    255, 

256,  289. 

Morgan,  Richard  C.,  Col.,  126,  232. 
Morrow,     Thomas     Z.,     Lieut-Col., 

115. 
Nagle,   James,  Gen.,   24,   35,  37,  38, 

42,  55,  56,  57,  58,  93,  100,  107,  141, 

147,  189,  268,  272. 
Najac,  Munson  H.,  Lieut.,  130. 
Nance,  James  D.,  Col.,  47. 
Palmer,  John  B.,  Gen.,  106. 
Palmer,  Oliver  H.,  Col.,  36. 
Parke,  John  G.,  Gen.,  51. 
Parker,  Alfred,   210. 
Patterson,    Horace,    107,    184. 
Peckham,  Penner  H.,  Jr.,  Lieut.,  130. 
Pegram,   John,  Gen.,   105,   114,   115. 
Pendleton,   James   M.,    Lieut,   58. 
Penrose,  Lieut,  264. 
Perkins,    Augustus    S.,    Capt,    27. 
Perry,  A.  F.,  128. 
Perry,  E.  A.,  Gen.,  25. 
Perry,   Oliver  H.,   Commodore,   128. 
Perry,  Oliver  H.,  Capt.,  128,  130. 
Phillips,  Colonel,  46,  47. 
Phillips,  John  J.,  Capt,  130. 
Phillips,  Wendell,  136. 
Pierce,    Franklin,    President,    303. 
Pollard,    Joseph,    Lieut.,    58,    276. 
Pope,  John,  Gen.,  163,  237,  261. 
Potter,  Charles  H.,  Lieut.,   58,  130, 

178. 

Potter,  Robert  B.,  Gen.,  54,  55. 
Pitman,    Joseph    S.,    Lieut-Col.,    3. 
Ransom,  Robert,  Gen.,  35. 


Ratliff,  William,  Lieut.,  46. 
Rhodes,  William  B.,  Capt,  152. 
Roberts,  John  S.,  Lieut.,  58. 
Roemer,  Jacob,  Capt.,  150. 
Rogers,  William  C.,  Capt.,  130,  177, 

178,  204. 
Rosecrans,    William    S.,    Gen.,    86, 

112,   117. 
Richardson,   Erastus,  242,   279,  283, 

291,  295. 

Richardson,   George   E.,    201. 
Richmond,    Lewis,    Lieut-Col.,    72, 

132. 

Salter,  Captain,  229. 
Salisbury,   Arnold,    Lieut.,    130. 
Sayles,   Welcome   B.,   Col.,   24. 
Schermerhorn,    J.   Maus,   Mrs.,   304. 
Scott,  Elias  F.,  Capt,  108. 
Scott,  Walter  A.,  231. 
Semple,  A.  C.,  Capt.,  115. 
Shackelford,    James    M.,    Gen.,    119, 

125,  126,  127. 

Shaw,   Elizabeth    (Williams),   306. 
Shaw,   Howard  A.,   306. 
Shaw,  James    (1st),  Capt.,  304. 
Shaw,  James,   Gen.    (2d),   304. 
Shaw,  James,  Gen).   (3d),  130,  135, 

136,   137,   139,    141,    142,   145,    146, 

149,    151,    156,    157,    159,   160,   183, 

207,    254,    257,   304,    305,    306. 
Shaw,  James    (4th),  306. 
Shaw,  Walter  A.,  306. 
Sigel,  Franz,  Gen.,  135. 
Sigfried,   Joshua  K.,   Gen.,   55,   56. 
Slicer,  Thomas  R.,  304. 
Smith,  James  Y.,  Governor,  131. 
Smith,  Kirby,  Gen.,  193. 
Smith,    William    F.,    Gen.,    52,    53, 

74,  141. 

Sorrel,  G.  Moxley,  Major,  47. 
Spink,  George  A.,  Capt.,  130,  158. 
Sprague,  William,  Governor,  1. 
Stackhouse,  E.  T.,  Capt,  47. 
Staples,  Carleton  A.,  Rev.,  304. 
Stone,  Edwin  W.,  4,  16. 
Stoneman,  George,  Gen.,  35. 
Stevens,  A.  F.,  Col.,  18,  19,  240,  263. 


INDEX 


Sturgis,  Samuel  D.,  Gen.,  24,  34, 
35,  37,  38,  41,  44,  54,  56,  57,  58, 
59,  95,  104,  111,  114,  147,  151,  152. 

Sumner,  Edwin  V.,  Gen.,  23,  24,  27, 
31,  32,  36,  41,  42,  43,  44,  49,  50, 
52,  54,  59,  70,  73,  138,  204. 

Sumner,  Seth,  212. 

Swain,  Leonard,  Rev.,  130. 

Sykes,  George,  Gen.,  42. 

Tabor,  George  H.,  Lieut.,  58,  130. 

Taft,  Judge,  128. 

Tennyson,  Alfred,  285. 

Thain,  Eugene  M.,  9. 

Thompson,  Colonel,  28. 

Thrasher,  Charles  W.,   Capt,   238. 

Tillinghast,   Henry  M.,   Lieut.,   130. 

Tillinghast,  Pardon  E.,  199,  237, 
256,  280,  292. 

Tod,  David,  Governor,  126. 

Townsend,  Eugene  D.,  Gen.,  70. 

Tompkins,  Charles  H.,  Gen.,  49. 

Tyler,  Erastus  B.,  Gen.,  42. 

Tyler,  Robert  u.,  Gen.,   28,  49. 

Twiggs,  David  E.,  Gen.,  3. 

Van  Slyck,  Nicholas,  Col.,  304. 

Vernon,  Thomas,  Rev.,  307. 

Viall,  Nelson,  Gen.,  129,  307. 


Washington,   George,  President,  96. 

Waterman,   Richard,    305. 

Waterman,  Richard,  Capt.,   50,  194. 

Weaver,  John  H.,  Lieut.,  130. 

West,  Benjamin  G.,  Lieut,  210. 

Westcott,   Edward  V.,  Lieut,   130. 

Westcott,  Stukely,  304. 

Whiting,  Joseph  C.,  Jr.,  Lieut,  130. 

Whipple,  James,  225. 

Willcox,    Orlando   B.,    Gen.,   24,    34, 

43,  95,  100,  106,  108,  231. 
Williams,   James   A.,   Lieut,   130. 
Williams,  Roger,  128,  304. 
Winchester,     Charles     M.,     Lieut., 

128,  130,  197,  212,  214. 
Winchester,  Henry,  199. 
Wirz,  Henry,  Capt,  224. 
Wolford,  Captain,  157. 
Wolford,  Frank,   Col.,  95,   117,  118, 

120,   121,    123,   124,   125,    127,   155, 

156,  157,  158,  159,  230,  254. 
Wright,  Dexter  R.,  Col.,  10,  13,  14, 

18,  240,  243,  263,  264,  267. 
Wright,  Horatio  G.,  Gen.,  81,  100. 
Zook,  Samuel  K.,  Col.,  36. 
Zollicoffer,  F.  K.,  Gen.,  112,  254. 


ORGANIZATIONS 


Connecticut  : 

Fifteenth,  14,  15,  18,  240,  263. 
First  Artillery,  49. 

Florida: 

Eighth,  25. 
Georgia: 

Eighteenth,  46,  47. 

Georgia,  46. 

Phillips's  Legion,  46,  47. 

Sixteenth,  47. 

Twenty-fourth,  24,  47. 


Kentucky : 

Eighth  Cavalry,  118. 
First    Cavalry     (Wolford's),    108, 
117,  120,  155,  156,  159,  230,  254. 
Fourteenth  Cavalry,  100. 
Ninth  Cavalry,  118. 
Twelfth  Cavalry,  118. 
Thirty-second,  115,  154,  159,  160. 

Maryland  : 

Second,  35,  38    42,  55,  56,  57,  58, 
93. 


394 


HISTORY    OP    THE    TWELFTH    REGIMENT 


Massachusetts : 
First  Battery,  51. 
Nineteenth,  28. 
Sixth,  8. 

Thirty-fifth,  35,  42,  55. 
Twentieth,  28,  29. 
Twenty-eighth,  34. 
Twenty-first,  35,  42,  55. 

Michigan: 

Seventh,  28,  29. 

Mississippi : 

Eighteenth,  25,  46'. 
Seventeenth,  25,  46. 
Thirteenth,  25,  46. 
Twenty-first,  25. 

New  Hampshire: 

Eleventh,  35,  42,  55,  219. 
Ninth,  35,  38,  42,  55,  56,  150. 
Sixth,  35,  37,  42,   55,  56,  93,  107, 

147,  150,  218. 
Thirteenth,    15,    18,    19,    169,    240, 

243,  263. 

New  Jersey: 
Thirteenth,  12. 
Twenty-fifth,  18. 
Twenty-seventh,  18,  240,  263. 

New  York: 

Eighty-eighth,  34. 
Fiftieth,  27. 

Fifty-first,  35,  42,  54,  55. 
Fifty-ninth,  221. 
First  Battery,  50,  51,  232. 
Forty-second,  28. 
One  Hundred  and  Eleventh,  244. 
One      Hundred       and       Twenty- 
fourth,  203. 

Second  Artillery,  50,  109,  150. 
Sixty-ninth,  34. 
Sixty-third,  34. 


Ohio: 

Forty-fifth,  108. 
Second,  117. 
Seventh,  117,  157. 
Seventh    Cavalry,    119,    121,    157, 
228. 

Pennsylvania: 

Battery  D    (Durell's),  148. 
Fifty-first,  35,  42,  55. 
Forty-eighth,    35,    42,    55,    56,    81, 

93,  150,  184. 
One  Hundred  and  Sixteenth,  34. 

Rhode  Island: 

Eleventh,   4,  103,  163,  219,  238. 
First  Light  Artillery,  50,  51,  54, 

55,  59,  152,  231,  232. 
Fourth,  232,  233,  268. 
Fourteenth  Heavy  Artillery,  307. 
Seventh,  21,  24,  35,  37,  42,  55,  56, 

93,  138,  143,  150,  152,  160,  221, 

249. 
Tenth,  305. 

South  Carolina: 
Eighth,  47. 
Fifteenth,  47. 
Second,  47. 
Seventh,  47. 
Third,  47. 

Tennessee : 

East  Tennessee  First  Battalion 
Artillery  (Crawford's  Bat 
tery),  153,  154,  253. 

United   States : 

Fourth  Artillery,  37,  50,  54,  55. 
Twenty-sixth  Infantry    (Colored/), 
307. 


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